#on another hand: my sister told me I can borrow her bike to try if I want to. mayhaps i will borrow it just to see how much different

[alpinelogy]

The real million dollar question is, will I feel like going cycling tomorrow morning when it’s supposed to be like 4C at 10 am?

[sasuhinasno1fan]

Proof of your sunny smile -Adrien AUG-reste Day 12

As my last submission for @adrienaugust and to celebrate the @lukadrienvault discord reopening, I wrote a fic on one of the AUs we came up with Yu-Gi-Oh au, with King of Games!Luka and CEO!Adrien, except he’s only like Kaiba with people he doesn’t repect. Anyway, this was this random headcannon I came up with turned story, so I hope you enjoy. Photographs

Adrien yawned. He was beyond tired. Trying to create a Duel Disk and plan a duelling tournament, one that way more elaborate than Duellist Kingdom, not to mention the dreams he’d been having took so much out of him. Adrien wasn’t the type to just hear an order and go follow it. He’d raise an eyebrow and ask the person if they wanted to try that statement again. But after seeing that Miraculous on TV while they talked about the new Egyptian display at the Louver, Adrien had to find them. with a new card and instructions, Adrien snapped to it, working to find the other holders of these God cards. Also realising that skilled Duellist has Miraculous with them, it made sense to invite the top duellist to participate. He hadn’t thought about how much work went into it though. His other tournaments were never this hard to pull off.

He’d been close to falling asleep at his desk when Luka called. Well, Sass actually. The spirit of the Snake Miraculous always spoke with a lower register in Luka’s voice. He’d asked if they could meet and it wasn’t until they hung up, Adrien realised he hadn’t told any of the other holders about this strange person and the God card he now had. He knew he should of. The hieroglyphic picture had Plagg and two others on it, two others who had to be Sass and Tikki. With Sass’ limited memory, they were all looking for answers.

So here he was, sitting in the back of one of his cars, waiting for Sass to show up. He wondered what Luka thought about Sass borrowing his body for the day as he pulled his overcoat off his shoulders. He’d put his usually white trench coat to the side for today after Rose insisted on dressing him. He probably should have said no to the sleeveless black shirt with ankh on it, since it was small and tended to ride up, but with him winning the fight for white slacks and black dress shoes, Rose hadn’t given up. He was sure Sass would enjoy it. Plagg hadn’t given him any comment, which was odd. It wasn’t like him to be so silent.

“Sir.” His driver called. “he’s arrived.”

Looking out the window, he saw Sass pull up on Luka’s bike. Or maybe that was Luka, he was so protective of his bike. While Adrien felt uncomfortable with his stomach on show, Luka clearly didn’t mind with his asymmetrically ripped shirt. The leather jacket was different from his normal one he wore when not chilling in his school uniform, but it looked innocent when compared to the cross garter traveling up one leg. Adrien wasn’t afraid to admit Luka was good-looking. Even though he wore enough leather and dark colours for people to consider him a goth, he was still one of the kindest people Adrien ever met. The green bracelet shone brightly against the black wristbands on his outfit.

“I’ll call you when we’re done.” He said, climbing out of the car, phone in one hand, his coat in the other. As he climbed up the steps, he realised that Luka or Sass seemed to be arguing with the other. Luka’s eyes were their normal blue – they were usually teal green when Sass was in charge – and he seemed annoyed, even taking to speak directly to the Snake Miraculous. “Everything ok?”

“Adrien?” Luka sounded confused at the sight of him.

“Hey.”

“Sass called you last night?”

Nodding his head and surprised that Sass had kept Luka in the dark about it – as far as he knew, they only ever did that against Myura – Adrien replied, “He called me last night and asked if we could meet up. I take it you didn’t know?”

“No, he just asked if he could have control for a little while, bugged me for advice for dressing up and then drove my bike over here. Though, that explains why he asked me to check something in his Soul Room last night by myself. He doesn’t like me doing that with all the traps he has.”

“Oh.” That was odd. Sass wasn’t devious by nature. “Um, well I guess this works out. I need to tell you about something. Have been for a while but I’ve been really busy.”

“So Rose says.” At his raised eyebrow, Luka explained. “Your sister came by the hospital to hang out with Juleka and she mentioned you’ve been really busy. Making a Duelling Disk? Don’t you already have one?”

“This one is better and will actually be for sale. No more only having four cards out and using and extra device to make the holograms. Well sorta, this device will place the hologram makers out for you and you’re not limited to the 5 cards and having to hide behind the cards. Since I made that to deal with Myura, I took it out so you hold your cards in the hand with the Disk and play with the other. It also gets rid of the extra rules made by the prototype and works like a normal duelling field. It’ll shuffle your cards for you, the attacks of duel monsters look more real. And I’ve also made it compatible for duelling arenas and-” Adrien cut himself off when he realised, he was rambling and Luka was smiling at him. “What?”

“Nothing. Sounds like you’ve been busy. Why the sudden urge to work though? I thought you said after that virtual reality event, you’d take it easy.”

“I was gonna, but then a news report changed everything.”

After Luka let him sit on his bike, leaning against it as well, Adrien explained everything, about meeting the Cesear person, who had a Miraculous, the things in the new Egyptian exhibit that had Sass, Plagg and Tikki featured front and centre and the God card he’d been given, how it nearly overloaded the system when played. As if more powerful than just life points. How he was told that others had these God cards and Adrien’s own hypothesis about strong duellist having a Miraculous.

“So you’ve been planning this whole event?”

“Basically we get the God cards in one place and then we can find out more about Sass’ past. It’s a long shot and placing a lot on one thing, but if these cards, if these people are connected, how can I not? Maybe if we go to the museum, we can find them.” he thought out loud, mind already going a mile a minute.

“Adrien, have you gotten much sleep lately?” Luka asked randomly.

“Sort of. A lot of late nights, but I’m used to that.”

“Ok, off.” Luke ordered, pulling his extra helmet out. “Put this on. We’re going down to the arcades.”

“Arcades? Why? I thought we were going to the museum.”

“Because now I know why Sass planned this. Adrien, you’ve been over working yourself. I want to find out more about Sass too but not at this expense. So we’re going to the arcade so you can easily beat the games, maybe duel a couple of kids and you’re going to relax. Then maybe, we can go to the museum.”

Adrien opened his mouth to argue, but Luka gave him that look at told him to try arguing. He gave that look to Juleka and his friends and even though Adrien was used to giving that look to Rose, he was not enjoying being on the receiving end of it. God knows Luka had more than enough practise with it.

“Fine.”

“Good. Now put your helmet on. I like your shirt by the way. Very fitting.”

“You can thank Rose. She thought Sass might like it.”

Luka’s lip twitched. “He does.”

                                               ____________________

Adrien probably should feel bad about the crying kid in front of him, but seeing how they insulted him for the duration of the duel plus 10 minutes before, since Adrien didn’t love being insulted without reason, he didn’t feel too bad. Plus Luka seemed to be hiding his laughter, so he felt justified.

“How long was that? 20 minutes?” Adrien asked, scooping up his cards.

“17 but close enough. I’m surprised you didn’t insult him back when you played Chat Noir.”

“Please, could have beaten him without Chat Noir.” Adrien said, looking at his ace card and checking to see if it been bent when he threw it down, ready to end the duel. “God, I hope the duellist at Battle City are better than this.”

“So you’ll be competing? That mean I get a chance to go up against you?”

“As long as you’re willing to part with your Viperion. I’ll have nothing to risk so I won’t be pulling any tricks like last time.”

He didn’t love that he’d threatened Luka with falling off that ledge the last time the duelled, but he needed to get inside the castle to get his sister and nothing would stop him.

“Looking forward to it. Maybe Rose can stay with Juleka. Her surgery is coming up soon.”

“I planned on having Rose on security but I’m sure she’ll leave a few times to check up on her. What are looking forward to most after her surgery?” Adrien asked as he put his cards away and they strolled through the arcade.

“I guess knowing she’s not going blind is one thing. taking pictures for another. She has this thing against being photographed. Said she didn’t want to see herself when she was gonna forget what she looked like soon enough. I’ve had to stop myself from just filling her room with all the pictures of us, scared she’d forget what I looked like if she didn’t get the surgery. Now all I want to do is take tons of pictures so she can see herself getting better.”

The blonde CEO smiled to himself at all the plans the King of Games had for his sister when he saw a photobooth and thought of an idea.

“How about we take some now?” he asked, pointing to the photobooth. He let out a squeak when Luka grabbed his arm and pulled him towards it. “Didn’t know you’d be so excited.”

“I feel like I’ve never seen you smile in pictures. All those interview pics you have make you seem so serious. Rose has like one photo on her phone of you smiling.”

“I smile all the time.”

“But now I’ll have proof of it.”

Adrien rolled his eye but didn’t say anything as he sat on the bench and let Luka choose the boarder.

“Ok,” Luka said, tossing his arm over Adrien’s shoulder, “now give us a big smile!” he asked, pinching Adrien’s cheek.

The flash went off before Adrien could pull his hand off, though he got him back by messing with his hair in the next picture. They came to a truce by the third picture and for the fourth, they both gave the camera big smiles.

Adrien enjoyed writing King of Games over Luka’s head in each picture while the said King painted cat ears over his blonde hair.

“Can’t let everyone forget your ace card.”

“I don’t think they possibly could, seeing how I bought rights to it from Myura to be able to use it in pretty much all my advertising.” Adrien said, picking up the printed pictures and handing it to Luka to cut the copies apart. “I hope you don’t use all those pictures for Juleka.”

“I don’t know, I like the last one. I might keep it for myself.”

Adrien shook his head, leading them to leave the arcade. “Thanks by the way. It feels like my mind has been going a mile a minute. The idea that we can actually get more information is exciting but I’m really starting to question if doing all this is worth it. I mean, what are we having to prove to get answers?”

“I don’t know why they want you to do this, but you’ve got me and the rest of the group to do whatever it takes to get answers. He’s being annoyingly silent right now, but I know Sass appreciates what you’re doing. How about we head to museum and see if we can’t work that Agreste snark on them?”

“Sounds good.”

[n1ght5h4d3-24]

Travel To Jurassic World -Chapter 4

Pairing: Owen Grady x Mitchell!OC

~Previous Chapter~

After the Mosasaurs show, the brothers wanted to grab a snack while Maya wanted to see the Velociraptors. The siblings agreed that they would go their separate ways before meeting up at the Gyrosphere ride. Zach and Gray went one way while Maya went another, searching for the Velociraptor exhibit. After getting her hands on a map of the park, Maya realized that the Velociraptor exhibit was a bit of ways away from the main part of the park. So, she needed to find a ride to get where she was headed. She managed to find some quad bikes parked off to the side and used on to get to the exhibit.

Upon arriving at her destination, Maya parked the quad bike she had borrowed before dismounting the bike. She walked up to the gate of the exhibit and watched as the Velociraptors ran through the forest habit of their exhibit. She counted four raptors in total when someone tapped her shoulder, startling her.

"Sorry miss, didn't mean to scare you. But, this part of the park isn't open to the public," a man tells her.

Maya looked at him for a moment before her eyes caught a glimpse of his name tag. His name was Barry.

"I apologize Mr. Barry. My aunt Claire gave me a VIP access band and truth be told, when I first learned about this park and its "attractions," I've had a interest in Velociraptors. They remind me of wolves in a way." she explains to him.

Barry had a slightly frightened look on his face at the mention of Claire's name before it went away.

"My apologies, I didn't realize that you were Claire's niece. Please, follow me this way and you can meet the raptors for yourself." he tells her.

Maya smiled a little bit before following Barry up to the catwalk that overlooked a part of the exhibit. He told her the names of the Velociraptors when he pointed them out to her, mentioning that they were sisters.

"Pig loose!" someone shouted before a pig began squealing as it ran.

Acting fast, Maya grabbed a nearby snare pole and walked a bit down the catwalk before putting the snare pole down into the exhibit to catch the pig. She had success, until a raptor came out of no where and snatched the pig up before running under the catwalk, which caused Maya to fall over the side of the railing of the catwalk since the pig had still been in the snare pole when the raptor took it. Luckily for Maya, her instincts kicked in and she was able to land on her feet instead of hitting her back on the ground. When her feet hit the ground, it gained the attention of the other three raptors in the exhibit. Blue, Charlie and Delta began to approach the girl, growling. Charlie and Delta were heading in her direction from the sides while Blue came from the front.

Now the oldest Mitchell sibling had a secret. She was more evolved then a normal human. While the scientists at Jurassic World wanted to reincarnate dinosaurs, scientists in a government facility sought out making humans better. Maya had unfortunately been one of those subjects and she survived the trials. It was why she was still in an orphanage at sixteen before Karen and her husband adopted her.

So, she stared down the three raptors that were approaching her. The growling of the raptors triggered Maya's inner animal which just so happened to be a wolf. Like I said, evolved human. She growled back at the raptors in defense. She watched as Charlie and Delta seemed to share a look of confusion with each other as the growl from Maya had been animalistic while Blue continued to approach her. She only stopped when Maya's eyes changed from their natural color to a golden-yellow.

Maya's humanity was slowly starting to slip away as the wolf inside her began to take over when suddenly, someone was standing in front of her. It was a man with light brown hair who was wearing a blue button up shirt with the sleeves pushed up and a brown vest was over the shirt, he was wearing a pair of blue jeans too. He had his right hand out in front of him, as if to try and keep the Velociraptors back.

"Blue, stand down…stand down." he says to the raptor in front of him.

Blue only hissed quietly before snapping at the man.

"Hey, hey! What did I just say?" he scolded her.

The man put his left hand out to the side as one the raptors tried to close in from that side.

"Delta, I see you. Back up." the man tells the raptor.

Said raptor only let out a roar in response. Maya continued to stand there, in awe, watching the man in front of her hold his ground against three Velociraptors. She noted the raptors' behavior and came up with a sound thought. The man in front of her must be the alpha of the pack, it explained why the raptors weren't really trying to attack him. Charlie, who was to the right, decided to move forward when the man moved his right hand to keep the raptor back.

"Charlie, stay right there." the man tells her.

Suddenly, Maya was yanked backwards as Barry had reached out to grab the hood of the hoodie she had been wearing and pulled her out of the paddock. The brunet man had started to slowly walk backwards to the gate.

"Close the gate," he requested, still keeping his attention on the three raptors in front of him.

"Are you crazy?!" Barry asked him in a bewildered tone.

"Just trust me," the man said.

Maya looked at the back of the man in the paddock before turning to Barry.

"Close the gate," she says.

Barry muttered to himself, in what Maya made out as French, before hitting a button that would close the gate to the enclosure. The man in the paddock continued to keep the Velociraptors at bay as the gate slowly closed before he ran towards the gate and slid under the small opening before it closed entirely and the raptors hit their heads on the metal bars.

Barry helped the man up off the ground before leaving him and Maya alone.

"Name's Owen Grady. You know, this enclosure isn't open to the public." he tells her.

Maya giggled slightly, "Nice to meet you, Owen. I'm Maya. Mr. Barry told me the same thing but, had a change of heart when I mentioned my aunt." she says.

Owen looked at Maya in curiosity, "Who is your aunt?" he asks.

He was curious to know who this girl's aunt was that made Barry bend the rules, and let her see the raptors.

"Claire Dearing is my aunt. Pretty sure she works here since she was the one who invited me and my brothers here and gave us VIP access bands." she tells him.

Owen looked at the girl in surprise, he had no idea that Claire had family visiting while Maya paled a little. She had completely forgotten about her brother.

"I'm sorry Mr. Grady but, I've gotta get going. See you around, hopefully." she tells him before she turned around and ran towards the quad bike.

She quickly mounted the bike before taking off back towards the main part of the park. She had just missed her aunt who had just climbed out of her car and approached Owen, needing to talk to him.

Chapter 5

[raviposting]

Hey guys! I have a fic that’s based off of @niamaggie ‘s prompt list, the prompt is as follows: 

Prompt: There’s more to Alex’s story with his family outside of what Luke said. They don’t just disapprove of him, they outright pretend he doesn’t exist. It gets to a point where he completely breaks down in the studio after having a bad practice day (the kind of day where nothing is going right). Being a ghost, is like what his family did to him, but on a much bigger scale. It’s much harder to deal with...Just want the band to comfort him, please.

Huge thank you to @superbandnerd99 for beta-reading! I’ve tagged people under the cut who liked my excerpt post; please let me know if you want to be untagged!

Crossposted to AO3 (properly formatted here) 

Fic:  Ghost in the Family 

Alex had told himself that he was going to be fine being in his old home. It was fine. It didn’t matter that he hadn’t stepped foot in the house in twenty-five and a half years. It was fine. It was fine. 

Sure, his stomach was twisting in knots and he felt like his heart could beat out of his nonexistent chest - actually, wait. Could it do that? He still wasn’t sure how much their new solidity worked and the thought of his chest literally beating out of his chest was almost as terrifying as the thought of stepping back into his family home was. 

Okay. He was doing it again. Spiraling, as Julie liked to call it. Or totally wigging out, dude, as Reggie liked to call it. Or haha, wow, look at this dude lose it, guys, as Carlos liked to - okay. Alex sighed, shaking out his hands and staring at his house. It hadn’t changed a bit over the past 25 years, save for a new white mailbox with an American flag emblazoned on the side. Alex couldn’t remember their old one, but he was pretty sure it was better than that. 

He walked up the steps slowly, each step closer feeling like another step towards his doom - which was dumb, of course, he had been the one to say he wanted to just check up on his parents, he was the one who told the rest of the band and Willie (and Carlos, who followed them around everywhere he physically could) to not come with him, he was the one who got it into this head that he needed to see his family again. 

He closed his eyes and took three deep breaths, trying to center himself. Relax, he told himself. They can’t see you. You’ll be fine. He breathed in deep again before opening his eyes and ringing the bell. 

The door opened, and Alex looked at the woman in front of him. “Mom?” he asked - a stupid question, because she was looking right through him and obviously wasn’t going to answer, and because if this woman was mom, she would have to be a ghost too. He squinted as the realization hit him. “Lizzie?” he asked this time. 

His sister looked around in confusion, for a millisecond looking right at him, and when he heard an old woman’s voice ask who was there, his sister shrugged and said, “Doorbell must be on the fritz.” 

Alex slipped in before she closed the door, and stared at the place he used to call his home. 

It hadn’t changed a bit. Well, it had changed a little since the day he had left. They had stripped away the carpet and there was a mahogany floor now. Alex wondered when that had happened. Certainly after he had left. He remembered the carpet covered with bits of glass after his father had thrown the family photos on the floor with such a force that the frames had cracked. Alex could remember the stony silence as he had stood there, staring at the pieces of glass glistening on the carpet, barely registering Luke’s hand on his own as he pulled him out the door. He had mumbled something about his clothes, only for Luke to say he had grabbed some, but when Alex was in the backseat of Reggie’s car looking through the duffel Luke had packed, the David Bowie sweatshirt he had borrowed from Reggie hadn’t been there alongside his favorite puka-shell necklace and Alex had tried to tell himself that it was okay even as the tears had run down his face and the pressure in his chest tightened so much that he felt like he was going to choke. 

Maybe that was his unfinished business, to give Reggie his shirt back? He wondered if it was still around, somewhere, but his thought was interrupted when he felt his sister walk through him. God, what a weird thing to experience, Alex could always feel people’s emotions when they passed through and it unnerved him whenever it happened. As she passed through him there was a hint of - anxiety? No, not quite, he told himself. It felt a bit like his anxiety creeping up, but while he would feel like there was something in his chest tightening as it tried to get out, this felt heavier somehow, like a great big nothing that could swallow him whole if he let it. But there was a warmth there too, slow and steady, that let him know without a doubt that this was his older sister. 

He wondered where Nina, his younger sister was, but one look at the family photos on the wall answered his question. An unfamiliar woman was on the wall, side-by-side with a brown-haired man, two smiling babies on their laps. Nina must have moved out ages ago. His eyes flitted to the photo next to it. Nina and Lizzie were there, their arms around an older woman with long graying hair and an old man with his mouth set in a straight line but a smile in his eyes. The family photos littering the staircase didn’t seem to have him on it at all, just photos of Lizzie and Nina and his parents. It was as if every trace of him was gone from their lives, down to the pictures. 

Two figures walked down the stairs, and Alex backed up quickly, giving them a wide berth. He knew they could pass through them and could already hear Reggie and Luke’s voices in his head reminding him that he was a ghost, it was fine, but the thought of Alex’s parents passing through him made Alex feel sick in a way that he couldn’t quite explain. He followed his parents as they sat down in the living room, his mother on her phone and his father turning on the television to watch some sitcom. His mother leaned towards his dad, showing him something funny on her phone, and the two laughed, and when Lizzie came over and peered at the image and joined in, the sounds mixing in with the canned laughter of the unseen audience from the sitcom. 

Alex tried peering over their shoulders to peek at the phone, but his dad’s frame kept blocking his view. “Just move for a second,” he said absentmindedly to his dad. “I want to see.” 

His father, of course, didn’t respond, and then the phone was put back into his mother’s pocket, Lizzie went towards the kitchen, and the house was quiet, besides the commercial about some discount furniture store playing on the screen. Alex stood in front of the television, watching his parents look through him. He would accompany Luke and Reggie to see their families from time to time. Luke’s parents always walked around like living ghosts, as if a little bit of the light had gone out of their eyes. Reggie’s would laugh and smile but stare off into the distance when they thought nobody was paying attention. 

Mom looked a little bored. Dad yawned. 

Alex felt the crushing anxiety switch to a feeling similar to anger, and it welled up in him as he slammed the wall in frustration. At the last second, he thought, No, maybe I should just phase through but his hand was already making contact and he could only soften the blow, making just a sad pitiful thump on the wall. 

His mother’s eyes went to the wall and furrowed in confusion, but his father waved his hand. “Bird probably hit the window again,” he said, and his mother shrugged, turning her attention back to the screen. 

“I - okay,” Alex sighed, the angry-adjacent feeling gone. He suddenly felt tired, and he walked out the door, leaving his unaware family behind. 

He moved past the people strolling down the sidewalk, narrowly avoiding bumping into people as he walked by. “Excuse me,” he muttered as he moved around a group of kids riding their bikes. He sidestepped one house’s sprinkles a second too late and he flinched slightly as the water shot out towards him until it passed through him and he sighed. Right. Ghost. 

It wasn’t until he had gotten to the garage door that he realized he could have just poofed home, and he blinked back tears. He couldn’t even be a ghost correctly. He squared up his shoulders and tried to make his face as light and casual as possible, and he poofed inside, where the band was already setting up for their next practice. 

“Alex!” Julie said, lighting up, though her eyes filled with concern when she saw his face. “Are you okay?” 

Well. There went light and casual. Yet another thing Alex couldn’t do, apparently. 

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Alex said, though even to himself it sounded like an obvious lie, but besides Luke and Reggie sharing a look that they thought he didn’t see, there were no further comments, and Alex sat down in front of his drums. 

Practice was a disaster. 

Alex tried staying on beat, but with every measure of the song, a new memory would come to him. 

Him locking eyes with Luke whenever Luke would turn during a performance, the way his heart would flutter when Luke winked at him.

Stuttering out a confession to Luke, only for Luke to lean in and kiss him on the lips, Alex staring at Luke and asking, “Does - does that mean you like me too?” 

Him telling his parents that he was gay, watching his father’s eyes glass over and just...getting up, ignoring Alex’s frantic, “Dad?” 

Of the one time his Dad had acknowledged him in months when he said he liked that young man Luke in his band, something that Alex thought was Dad was secretly telling him that he knew they were dating and was proud, and that they could tell him, that he was finally ready to see Alex. 

When his father slammed all the family photos and threw them on the ground, and Alex realized he had been so desperate for acceptance that he’d misunderstood his father’s comment, which meant nothing. Just like him. 

Him breaking down in the garage one month into living there, telling Luke that he didn’t think he could do this, any of it, and the hurt in Luke’s eyes before he told Alex that he had to do whatever was best for him. 

Alex was aware that the band had stopped playing and were staring back at him, concern clear in their eyes. 

I can’t even get it together for my band, he thought, and he threw his drumsticks down in frustration. They were moving towards him, and Alex felt the crushing feeling in his chest again except ten times stronger and the tears that had been threatening to flow ever since he had entered his parent’s home were now freely streaming down his cheeks. 

“Hey, hey, hey,” Julie said, and he felt three pairs of arms around him. “Tell us what’s wrong,” she said. “Don’t keep it in.” 

“I never gave you back your sweatshirt, Reggie,” Alex sobbed into what he thought was Reggie’s chest. 

“Uh, well, that’s fine,” Reggie said, a bit of confusion mixing in with his sympathy. “All of you always stole my clothes. I’m pretty sure Bobby’s still wearing my jeans, which honestly? Super dumb. We’ve been dead for 25 years, what’s his excuse for wearing the same clothes?” 

Alex laughed, and the group broke their hug, smiling along with him. Julie’s arm was on his back, Reggie still had his arm around Alex’s waist in a semi hug, and Luke was holding onto Alex’s hand. Alex looked down at their intertwined hands and then back at Luke, but instead of withdrawing, Luke simply squeezed his hand. 

“I’m guessing the family visit didn’t go so hot?” Reggie asked. It was blunt, but his tone was kind and he unconsciously gripped a little tighter onto Alex’s waist. 

“No,” Alex admitted. “I haven’t been there since...well you know, since I left, and it just…” he trailed off, not knowing how to continue. 

“Did it remind you of the day you left?” Julie asked, rubbing small circles on his back. His mom used to do the same for him as a kid whenever he came home sobbing because he messed up a performance or had answered a question wrong in class. The motion made him feel safe and comforted, even as it caused a heavy ache to spread across his chest. 

“No,” Alex said, wiping at his tears. “Or, kind of. It was definitely part of it, but being there just reminded me that…” he trailed off again, trying to think of the words.

Alex had hated the day he had left, but a sick part of him had been relieved when his father had thrown down all their photos and raved at how upset he was, at his mother sitting on the couch massaging her temple, saying that she was disappointed. 

It had been awful, but nothing compared to the months before. Throughout the day it was bearable - they all had their own things going on and it was easier to pretend like everyone was just busy instead of actively ignoring him - but whenever they sat down to eat was always the worst. Only Lizzie and Nina would be asked questions about their day and Alex would have to grab a plate because there were only four set on the table. Nina was so little that she thought it was a game and she’d grin with delight every time Alex asked for someone to pass the salt, giving her the chance to ask, “Did you guys hear something?” and lighting up every time their dad said, “No, I don’t think I did.” Lizzie would sigh at it and pass it to him, but even with her distaste at the petty shunning, she still wouldn’t look at him. He had asked her once, to look at him, and she had said, I am, all the while avoiding eye contact. 

“Me being a ghost and me being alive is the same thing,” he finally said. “That’s what it feels like. Every song we had was stolen by Bobby, nobody sees me if Julie’s not around, and there’s not a single picture of me up back home.” He gave a humorless laugh as a thought came to him. “I always felt like a ghost in my own home, and now I literally am.” 

“No, you’re not,” Luke said. 

“Well, you are a ghost,” Reggie added, and Julie nudged him. “Ow, what?”

“Okay, well you’re a ghost, true,” Luke amended. “But this is your home.” 

“And we see you,” Julie said. 

“And Willie, Flynn, Carlos, and Ray now too,” Reggie chimed in. “You may be dead, but your social life has never been better.” 

“And I don’t know how yet, but I will find a way to make sure everyone else can see you too,” Julie said, moving her hand from his back and holding on to his other free hand. “Not just when we’re performing. Always.” 

Alex looked into her eyes, wide and earnest, and he nodded. “Okay,” he said. It didn’t encompass what he thought - that he knew without a doubt that Julie was telling the truth, that she’d spend the rest of her life figuring out how to do it, that even if she couldn’t it still meant the world to Alex that she was going to try, no matter what. 

Luke spoke next. “And they may be your family on paper,” he said in the same carefully gentle voice he always used when he spoke about Alex’s family. “But we’re your family too. You’re our family.” 

“Nothing is ever going to change that,” Reggie said, and he got up. Alex looked up at him, expecting a mini-pep talk, but Reggie’s eyes filled with tears and he tackled Alex into a hug, knocking Alex back, chair and all. Julie and Luke shrieked as they fell backwards with him on the floor. 

Alex laughed and sat up (not easy, with Reggie still clinging onto him, but he got it done). He wrapped his now free hands around Reggie. “Okay, okay,” he said. “I know. We’re family.” 

“We definitely are,” Luke said, practically throwing himself onto the both of them and enveloping them both in a hug. 

Alex smiled at the two of them and then looked over at Julie, who had sat up and was smiling at the group, an unsure look on his face. 

“Julie,” Alex said lightly, “I think I need one more person hugging me to feel better.” 

She rolled her eyes, but the smile grew and the unsure look in her eyes disappeared, and she joined in on the group hug. 

The garage doors squeaked open, and Alex heard a sigh. 

“You guys are having another crying session?” Carlos asked, and the group broke apart.

“No,” Luke said, wiping at his eyes. 

“Sure,” Carlos said in a voice that yelled, I definitely don’t believe you. “Well, when you’re done not crying, Dad said it’s time for dinner, so hurry up.” 

With that, he was gone, and Julie got up from her spot on the floor. “Come on,” she said. “Let’s go have dinner.”

“Your dad remembers we’re ghosts, right?” Luke asked. 

“Nuh-uh, not this argument again,” Julie said, struggling and failing to keep her face serious. “You remember what Dad said last time you said that, family time -” 

“-is family time, whether you eat or not,” the rest of the boys finished, and Julie grinned.

“Exactly,” she said. “So come on.” 

“Just give me a second,” Alex said, and at the worried looks from his bandmates he gave them a reassuring smile. “I’m fine, don’t worry. I just want to clean up the equipment a bit and then I’ll be in.” 

Reggie patted him on the back and then he was out the door, yelling that he wanted to sit next to Ray, while Julie laughed and trailed after him. Luke reached over to squeeze Alex’s hand, and then he poofed away. Alex could already see Ray jump as Luke poofed into his usual seat next to Reggie and Julie, and Carlos’s eyes light up at the sight. They’d have the gluten-free-paleo-whatever tía Victoria had brought over for the week and Julie would absentmindedly pass him the salt to season his food. They’d say grace, and Ray would say thanks for the wonderful five kids in his house, something that had thrown Alex off the first time he had heard it but was grateful for each time. Afterwards, Carlos would show them some of those ghost hunting shows he liked to watch on you-tune or whatever - maybe Willie could even come by, if he was free, and they’d all circle around the screen and laugh as one of the guys fell over himself with every random noise. Julie would video call tía Victoria, who’d fawn over her niece and nephew and ask about the rest of the band, talking about how she had just seen yet another new performance of theirs and had loved it. 

Unbidden, an image of his sister and her family popped up in his head. It occurred to him, briefly, that he never got to see Nina and his nephews or nieces, wherever they were. Maybe he’d try again, this time bringing his entire family along. They never made the crushing feeling in his chest go away, but it didn’t feel like it was choking him and they made everything all the more bearable. Maybe he could go visit, he thought, getting up from the floor. Maybe it’d be good for him, maybe it wouldn’t, but they’d face it together and he knew they’d gladly come with him if he asked. Maybe he’d even take another visit to his parent’s house, and try to get closure much like Luke had some time ago. 

“Yo,” Carlos said, reappearing at the door and looking around the room. “You coming?” He stared just to the left of Alex (he was getting better at figuring out where the boys were without Julie, Alex had to give him that). 

Alex tapped his drum cymbal in response and Carlos grinned. “Oh that’s so cool,” he said. “And perfect, because I’m starving.” 

Alex grinned at the younger Molina and followed him out the door, his thoughts of his parents and his sister disappearing into the background. Maybe he’d do it, maybe he wouldn’t. He wasn’t sure yet. 

For now, though, he was going to have dinner with his family.

Tagging: @random-nerd-3 @glgrdsklechhh4 @thewickedandthehufflepuff @isnt-that-wizard @ellicxr @kymwitthaus @starryseavey @kristallbluemchen @fanficfighter @mariechensterntaler @iamtiredofmydreams @rubyblaze22 @speedycubed @tyrantlizard-king

[papergirllife]

Chasing The Flames

Chapter 11 : Out Of Our Grasp

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you have 30 texts ; 16 missed calls ; 3 voice mails.

All these unread texts and unanswered calls were all from the nct dream members. I haven’t seen them for a long time, Mr Kang gave me more projects to work on, and even leading one of them by yourself.

The times when I wasn’t loaded with work, I found other activities distracting myself, learning how to bake, going to the gym, and even giving in to try knitting, but that one failed of course.

Whenever I had the urge to call them back, I shut off my phone, reasoning that this was the best I could do to not tarnish this friendship. It was the only way Jeno and Jaemin wouldn’t hate me for my feelings towards Jeno? Jaemin? Both of them?

I shook my head at what absurd thoughts I had, I can’t like both of them, this is unusual and unnatural? I didn’t know what to make of my feelings towards them, Jaemin made me felt like I was sitting in front of a fireplace with a cup of hot coco  on a cold winter night. Jeno is more of a red fiery passion, spontaneous late night car rides to the beach side.

Maybe I was just overthinking things, maybe I had these feelings only because I found them very photogenic. But that didn’t make any sense. Every time  log on instagram’s explore page and see their weird expressions on those clips posted by their fan accounts, I would have a smile on my face, before realising what a dumb thing I was doing.

I was falling like a fool.

It was a Friday night, and I was outside the nearest convenience store drinking soju by myself, the warm alcohol flowing down your throat a stark contrast to this chilly night. I was drowning in guilt, I ruined a perfect friendship with 7 very good friends because I had thrown my feelings into the mix.

It’s not like they found out, but I feel like they knew all along, the way I accidentally stared at them for too long, the way my cheeks were heating up even though I wasn’t dong anything athletic. It’s best that I leave them good memories as it is, before I misstep and make everything go down the drain. That’s the least I can do. As I downed another gulp of soju, someone dressed in all black with a mask and a cap sat down your table. I thought it was just another customer, until that person took off his disguise, making me choke on the alcohol.

“Renjun?”

“I was about to go to your house, but you made things easier.”

“Why are you here?”

“To come find you. Why have you been ignoring our texts and calls?”

“I’ve been busy with work”

That wasn’t a lie, entirely.

“Everyone’s worried about you, especially Jaemin, you know how much of a mom he can get. I snuck out of the dorms just to look for you so you better say yes.”

“Yes to what?”

“Jeno’s birthday dinner with the dream members is next Saturday at the dorms, and he’s been distressed about your absence, not entirely focusing on work, getting frustrated when  he doesn’t get a dance move right.”

“I...

“I don’t know what you’re going through right now, but tell me when you’re ready okay?”

I nodded in silence, knowing that Renjun would hate me if I told him about my crush towards his two best friends.

“I will.”

“I have to go back now, before Taeyong hyung does the night checks. Night.”

“Night.”

It was the night of the birthday dinner, I made Jeno a cake for his birthday and bought a pair of biking gloves for him. I’m now standing in front of their door, hand held in a fist over the door, but not daring to knock yet. I could feel the way how tensed my limbs were, the way my heart was beating faster than what I wanted it to. I could just leave? Leave the cake and present here after knocking. But what would they think of me? Would they hate me after if I pulled that stunt? My heels were starting to dig into my sole when the door swung open, revealing Chenle’s bright smile.

“Y/N, you’re finally here. We haven’t seen you in such a long time, I can’t believe the company is overworking you. You look so much more tired from when we last saw you. It’s fine, Renjun told us everything.”

“Yah Chenle, Y/N looks fine. Don’t be so rude.”

“Hi, Jisung.”

Chenle opened the door a bit wider for Jisung to come out, his smile wide when he saw the cake in your hands.

“Come in now, don’t catch a cold. Why did you let Y/N stand outside for so long? Just talk inside.”

The two of them started bickering like children during my walk to the kitchen. Just when I was about to place the cake in the fridge, someone sneaked up behind me.

“Long time no see.”

“Oh my god! You scared me, hi, happy birthday Jeno. I baked this cake and your present’s on the table.”

“Why haven’t you been answering our calls?”

He wasn’t smiling, but he wasn’t angry either. This is bad, I rather he had shouted at me, than hearing the disappointment laced in his voice.

“I was busy with work, lots of comebacks and some modelling shoots at the sister company. I usually shut my phone off and most times I just have time for sleep and...

At this point I’m just rambling what comes to mind eyes avoiding his, noticing the way his hands are littered with veins, he must’ve put in a lot more time in the gym. I noticed his disheveled appearance, the stubs of facial hair, the pajamas even on his birthday.

... I’m sorry.”

I looked up slightly to see him biting his lower lip, brows furrowed in concentration, and Jaemin was behind him. I heard Chenle calling me into the balcony to show me something, so I quickly excused myself, legs feeling like jelly under their scrutinizing gaze.

Even though, Chenle was showing me Louis, Ten’s cat that they borrowed for a day, I can’t help but look back to see Jeno and Jaemin’s their unreadable expressions.

“Why did she act like nothing happened?”

“Technically, nothing happened, but that’s the problem.”

Jaemin was gazing at you with a somewhat painful expression on his face, he doesn’t want to push you, but the fact that you were down right ignoring them really hurt him and Jeno.

“I thought she has feelings for us. I saw the way she looked at me, it was like how you look at me, doesn’t that mean something?”

“She might be scared Jeno. We can’t just force her into accepting the fact that she likes us. Everyone’s confused with their feelings and what they want in their life. You have to understand that polyamorous relationships still aren’t accepted widely by society, maybe she doesn’t even know what does that even mean.”

“What if she doesn’t like us and that we’re just blindly embracing the idea?”

“Don’t be so passive Jeno. Like what you said just now, she does look at us differently. If she tells us she has no feelings for us herself, then we can give up. We never gave up during our trainee days, this is just another hurdle Jeno ah. We’ll make it.”

Jeno scratched the back of his head, sighing at how stupid he was to act and think this way. He remembered the days when he was in denial of his feelings for Jaemin as well, thinking that it was wrong to love a man, but as he looks back at those days and think back the emotions and confusion he felt back then, he realised this must be what you’re dealing with now. He should be guiding you, not being angry at your confused self. He was being selfish, and now he’s going to make it up to you.

“Y/N is just like you back then, but less aggressive. Remember when you got drunk and tried to punch me?”

Jeno groaned in annoyance at the events that led to that memory.

“It was a one time thing, shut up. I didn’t even punch you, even though I was so wasted and angry, I was still sober enough to know that I love you.”

“But you were in denial?”

“I was young and dumb, shut up.”

“I love you too, Jeno ah. We should head back out the living area, before Chenle gets the wrong idea and announces it to the world.”

Through out dinner, Jeno and Jaemin seemed to have calmed down a bit after the first interaction prior an hour ago. Jeno even made small talk with me which surprised me very much while Jaemin seemed to be careful of the words he used to speak to me. I don’t know what’s going through their minds, but I rather be smiling along with them than see those disappointed looks on their faces ever again.

I talked to them about work, the projects that had lined up and the side projects at hand while they listened intently, Jeno’s smile appearing when I mentioned working with Super Junior for the online concert and their recent promotions.When I cut the cake for all of them, Jaemin helped distributing the slices of cake to everyone.

At the last piece, Jaemin wasn’t prepared for your hand to pass him the piece as he had known it was yours, your hand once again passing him the plate, but instead of coming in contact with the ceramic, he felt your soft hands.

I looked up in shock, my heartbeat racing at the slightest of contact.

Jaemin’s lips were agape, worrying that you’ll think he was overstepping tonight after many days of dismissal from you.

“Sorry, I didn’t know you’ll still be passing that plate, that’s your own piece, everyone is eating theirs now.”

“It’s alright, it was my fault, I’m being a blur again.”

Jaemin let out a small laugh at what I had said, his eyes glimmering with a sense of warmth? content? I had no idea what that means, but I’m sacred of what my heart wants it to mean.

Jaemin noticed the way you had looked into his eyes, but a sense of something came over you seconds after, sadness? insecurity? You were a sometimes so easy to read, but some days he felt like he was trying to read spanish.

As the night was still young, Renjun bought out the soju and champagne. The lot of us drank while having a mini karaoke, while Jisung was trying to keep some of his hyungs from doing anything they’ll regret in the morning.

With the alcohol in my system, my nerves started to let loose, feelings less tensed. I don’t know how am I going back home tonight, but for now I didn’t really care, it’s been the most fun I had in days after days of worrying about.

I looked at the time on the clock as I forgot where I placed my phone, it’s nearing 1 a.m. , and yet Renjun is still belting out high notes, although in a tipsy state, a sober Jisung trying to get him to bed. It was a comedic relief, seeing how happy they are makes the stress in your head fade away bit by bit.

Jeno is a happy man he thinks, at least for now, he had a delicious meal cooked by his boyfriend and brothers, a cake you baked yourself just for his birthday, and a bottle of champagne. Is he drunk on happiness or the amount of alcohol he consumed? He doesn’t know, he just knows that you look cute whenever you had a little too much to drink, your eyes crinkling as your smiles are wider in this state, he feels a smile tugging on his lips as he sees your own.

He sees your drunk state looking for the bathroom, he gets up to watch you, just in case your clumsy self stumbles along the way, or Chenle’s basketball was lying around the hallway again. Jeno hid in his room to wait for you, not wanting to seem like creep and accidentally scare you away.

As he heard the door open, the weight in his heart started receding, he was scared you’d trip on something in there, even in the hallway, you were already feeling the walls with your hands. But just as he thought you were going to be fine, you had tried to switch off the bathroom light, but your wet hands slipped, making you lose your balance.

I was sure I was going to be a goner when I felt my head become delusional from the alcohol and the sudden slip up made my mind dizzy, but instead I felt a pair of arms holding onto me. I opened my eyes to see Jeno’s face millimeters away from mine, his body was against mine, our heartbeats racing at a hundred and five, he still hasn’t let me go, his eyes scanning my face, taking in my flustered expression.

Jeno’s face was inching closer to mine, his lips agape, as if he was waiting for ymy lips to meet his. His eyes were shaded with a sense of something mysterious and it was hypnotising, although I had plenty to drink, the slip up made me sober up quite a bit.

“Jeno... I can get up now, thank you.”

Jeno lifted me up from that near falling position, but his arms around me never wavered. His eyes were searching yours, what is he looking for?

“Y/N, I like you.”

[prorevenge]

Dung Log to the rescue: a tale of two neighbors

I live in an apartment complex in a fairly busy city. We pay a solid chunk of money to live in an apartment that is dog friendly, close enough to our university, and big enough to house a dog and my roommates two cats.

Now, I’m a fairly laissez-faire neighbor. I don’t bother you, you don’t bother me. We’re friendly enough that I know your name. I’ve never called my management on another tenant. I’d much prefer to talk to other tenants and make sure we talk it out. I’ve asked others not to smoke weed in front of my patio, to not play music loud enough under me that I hear it through my headphones as I try to work, and it’s all ended up fairly amicably. No issues. Until this woman in apartment, let’s call it 3V, while I was in apartment 1F.

My dog is small, 10-11 lbs. when I take her out, I always clean up after her, and we’ve never had any complaints.

3V comes knocking on the door, and is on the phone when I open. She was calling management to tell them my dog left poop outside the door. I’m a bit confused and I asked her what she was talking about to which she replied that as the only dog owner in this one building of the apartment complex (there are about 7 buildings all connected by the gated garden) my dog must have pooped outside the front door. I assured her that it wasn’t my dog, but I would be glad to pick up whosever dog poop that was. She hangs up on management. I go downstairs and there’s a massive dog poop piece. And I just stare at it, stare at my tiny yapper, and I’m like, whatever. Better to just calm her down and pick it up.

Things progress with no further confrontations until I come back in from taking my dog out in the morning to a sign that says “I SAW YOUR DOG POOP, I TOOK PICTURES AND IM SENDING THEM TO MANAGEMENT”. I’m so confused. It’s 8am, I haven’t even brushed my teeth yet, I’m wearing a bright yellow bathrobe whose belt I lost and I have to hold it together with one hand. But this woman is convinced she caught my dog in the act. So I go to her door, knock, and she shows me pictures of... some random dog poop in the grass of the shared garden. I promise her that’s not mine, offer to pick it up, and say that we can access the managements security cameras if that would be enough to prove my dog’s innocence. She tells me to pick it up and closes the door in my face. I get an email from management giving me a warning.

A few months go by without confrontation. Her children come and ask to borrow my laundry cards on occasion and I’m happy to let them. It’s not their fault their mom is a bit insane. I’m also very nervous because I’m a college student. I can’t afford to lose this housing that we got lucky to find. I go to visit my family, taking my dog, in Europe (where my family lives). A few days later, I get a call from management at 2am my time telling me that there is a report that my dog peed in the lobby of our building. Now I’m getting a bit pissed. I’m not in the country. My dog is not in the country. And this woman is trying to blame what must have been a drink spill or water (since it was winter) on my dog. I call back and tell them exactly that, and they reply in a tired tone that since I was the only dog owner in that building, there was no one else to blame. I explain I’m out of the country, that I can send them my tickets, that they have no idea it was urine and offer when I get back to keep track of all of my dog’s ins and outs. They drop it and tell me that if they get another complaint, they’ll have to move to more serious repercussions. I’m scared, pissed, and really pissed.

I start keeping a daily diary with time stamps and pictures of my dog’s comings and going’s, the Dung Log. I’m very, very careful. I pick up other dog’s poop when I see it. I really don’t want to get evicted for something that wasn’t my fault. My sister comes to stay with us for the first part of COVID, and we give the dog a summer groom. A tiny dog, she didn’t produce much fur, but my sister was unaware of the neighbor and chose to put the fur outside on the patio and expected the wind to whisk it away. Then the door starts banging, and I go to check and Lo and behold, it is 3V. She’s telling me that I have to clean up the dog fur, I apologize and tell her that it was an accident. She tells me that she has a cat who will get upset if she comes back up the stairs smelling of dog. I’m a bit dumbfounded that this is her logic, but apologize and sweep the fur away.

The last straw. The straw the broke the camels back. The tip of the mother fucking cherry on top.

Reminder that I keep a detailed report of my dog’s ins and outs. I was going on a birthday celebratory hike a few hours out with my girlfriend for her COVID birthday. We needed to drive there nice and early, the hike was 6 hours total, and the drive was 2, so we were ready and getting the car from a leasing agency. Not a few minutes in, I get a panicked call from my roommate. I hear yelling on the other side and my roommate gets across to me that 3V is screaming at them about a smear of dog poop in the lobby that was clearly my dog. At this same time, my roommate was alone at home, a small college aged person talking very calmly to a older woman screaming in their face with their child next to them, just staring at the floor. I’m speechless. I can’t leave my roommate, so my girlfriend and I cancel our plans ON HER BIRTHDAY, and go back to help. By the time we come back, 3V is gone, but the cops have just left, because 3V called the cops on my gender fluid, 5’4” POC roommate because 3V claimed my roommate was harassing her. I was enraged. I called management and they told me that they’re putting a warning on our account and expect us out after our lease ends.

Not today, management. I biked my ass over with my roommate to the leasing offices and sat down with them. Before I left, I got our other neighbor’s accounts that 3V was screaming at my roommate, I took a picture of the “smear of dog poop” which resembled a wheel squeak on the ground (as two people were moving in to our building), and came armed with my poop diary (that I affectionately nicknamed the Dung Log). I showed them my evidence, backed with neighbors statements and they seemed shocked. To be fair, I had never complained back against this woman who that morning had called my roommate delusional, a bitch, and said that she pays too much to walk on shit floors. Like we didn’t pay the same amount. After running through it all, management took all the warnings off our account, put a warning on hers and told her if she bothers us again they would evict her, and even comped us some things.

I haven’t heard from 3V again, but the Dung Log lives on in infamy. Log may it reign.

(source) story by (/u/XtinaChaos)

[trudy-shams]

What we become - part 6

6 months later ------------ You checked out your reflection in the mirror for the 12th time, every 10 minutes in the span of 2 hours. Steve was late today. No!  You were NOT nervous, you just wanted to look presentable. You were a reflection of the place you worked for and you loved Asgard so it was not totally absurd you wanted to make sure you were looking good.

"The blonde boy isn't here yet, please stop wasting time in front of the mirror and take those drinks to table #6" Clint grumbled.

Him sitting in your section 5 times a week and leaving cute notes (and some hefty tips) did not go unnoticed by anyone. And no one was subtle about it. From Loki to Thor to Clint to Gamora, everyone teased you endlessly.

"Seriously, I don't know what is holding you, or him, back. Just go out on a date already" Gamora said while tipping her head towards the door.

And in walked Steve, in all his smedium t-shirt and khaki pants glory.

His eyes immediately found yours and his face split into a big grin as he made his way to a table.

Sometimes you wonder how you didn't see until now how handsome he was, but you know for a fact that your perception of beauty changes as you get to know them better. Sometimes their personality makes them more appealing while other times it's the exact opposite.

You couldn't stop the smile that spread on your lips.

You neared Steve's table "You are late today"

Steve dopey smiled back "I got stuck at an event my father organized but I slipped away as soon as I could and then there was the usual traffic"

"I have told you so many times, we have another branch of Asgard near where you live, you don't have to make the hour long drive just for some beers" You smirked.

The first time you got to know how far he lives, you were slightly confused as to why he would drive all the way. He just shrugged and smiled, saying he liked the ambience of this place better. You didn't really believe him but didn't push him either.

Now? Now you kinda knew why he drove so far. It would be stupid to pretend otherwise but you couldn't pass an opportunity to tease him.

"And I have told you, I really like the ambience " Steve was not the shy fella who couldn't meet your eyes anymore. It took a while but he slowly lost his inhibitions around you.

And you? Well, your perspective of him changed the very day he saved your life. You were so grateful to him.

But as you got to know him better, you felt a lot more for him than just thankfulness.

"So your usual then?" You took out your notepad.

"No, not today. I am already late, maybe I will take a to-go bag for some snacks. Enough for two people" Steve had this look on his face.

You were disappointed and you hoped it wasn't obvious on your face.

"Oh sure, I will bring it up right now" You internally cringed at the high pitch of your voice.

"Oh no, no rush, take your time. I know your shift doesn't end for another 30 minutes" Steve was full on smiling now.

It took a moment for you to realize what he meant and you bit your lip to keep from smiling.

"Well that's very presumptuous of you Mr. Rogers. I might have better things to do then go out on a d.., accompany you to whatever secret cult meeting you drive an hour for" Steve laughed out loud before pressing his hands to his chest.

"The Perseids Meteor shower is supposed to peak today and the sky is clear enough for a good view. It might be something fun to watch "Steve lost steam by the time he finished his sentence seeing your stern expression " it's Friday night so I thought you wouldn't have classes tomorrow and work. The best time to view is after midnight and If you are not comfortable, I understand"

You did your best to keep your laughter in at Steve's rambling but maintained your serious demeanor "We will have a few hours to kill then, do you want to watch a movie"

"I totally... what?" Steve was giving you his signature puppy dog eyes.

You finally dropped the act and grinned "I have been begging Nakia for days but she claims that no astronomical event can keep her from her beauty sleep. I am so glad you asked. It would be so much fun. We can take some drinks too. We can stop by my place and grab a picnic mat. Do we need chairs? Blan..."

"Ok doll breath" the nickname just slipped out but Steve decided to act calm"I have everything ready. We can just pack some food and we are good to go"

You did a tiny jump. "I can't wait" --------------- 12 Months later

"See, both Mr. Darcy and Lizzi are seeing things through their own corrupt lenses" you supplied hazily

The warm weather and shining sun had almost put you to sleep.

Then there was Steve's warmth that radiated from where you were leaning against him. His cologne, his soothing voice as he hummed a tune now and then and the comfort of knowing he  was there with you.

Steve and you were sitting in your favorite park. You, with your books and Steve with his sketch pad, as had become the norm for Sundays. Steve always asked you what you were reading and you always asked him what he was drawing.

Steve would show you his sketch if you would give him a summary of the book you were reading and answer his questions. You borrowed a few books from Mr. Stark's library every time you went home.

There was something about reading a physical book that you loved.

You had grabbed your all time favorite this morning while stepping out to Steve's bike.

"Usually people assume that one character had pride while the other had prejudiced views but I feel that they both had pride and their own prejudices. For instance, Lizzy knows what Mr. Darcy is saying about her family is true and on occasions, she has pointed out the same to her mother and sisters, even her father, but she is wounded when Mr. Darcy states the same. Her mind sees Mr. Darcy is a spoiled rich man with no compassion or heart" you went on, now glancing at Steve "but we should always remember, never judge a book by it's cover... or initial few pages" you stuck your tongue out at your own silliness.

Steve had this wistful smile on his face "Yeah, sometimes the first few pages cannot tell you the full story"

"That's why I read all books that I begin till the end" you all but whispered to Steve seeing how close he had come to you.

"I am so happy that you do" Steve whispered back. Just one inch, that's all you needed.

And then Steve's phone went off.

You both jerked away.

Steve took the call while you hid behind your book for the rest of the day. ---------------- 18 Months Later

"You will call me as soon as you reach" you repeated for the 5th time.

"I will, first things" Steve promised.

Steve had been enrolled in a 1 year MBA from a university in another country, as per his father's wishes. Apparently, it was a rite of passage all children in his father's circle had to go through. You were told by Nat that James, or Bucky as she called him, had been there too.

Like that was supposed to make you feel better.

Not that you could ask Steve to stay. You weren't officially dating.

You didn't know what was holding Steve or you back. Well, you knew what was holding you back. You didn't know what you would do if Steve rejected you.

You were sure he had feelings for you but you still felt that there was a wall between you two and you had solid reasons.

You had never, not once, met any of Steve's friends. Not even as a friend.

He always came to you, the area where you lived. Never the other way around.

He hadn't added you in any social media accounts he had.

There was a small part of you, which was growing everyday, that believed he was embarrassed to be seen with you. Not that Steve ever made you feel like that when you were together.

But then there was this glaring fact that he never asked you out on a proper date. It was always a plan to 'hang out'.

And that he hadn't even kissed you yet.

And now he was leaving for 12 months.

"I will miss you" Steve looked at you with such a rueful smile that you had to look away.

"Well, I will be right here. Literally, I will wait for you right here, at the airport gate, with a bunch of welcome home balloons and a six pack of your favorite. Who knows, maybe I can convince Ms.Hella to start an airport outlet and I will meet you inside, waiting with your regular order as soon as you land" you tried to lighten the mood.

"I will touch down at the airport every weekend then" Steve smiled which did not reach his eyes.

"Don't make promises you can't keep Mr. Rogers" You turned to him and smiled, having reached the security check.

Steve was hugging you the next second. Arms squeezing you tight while he murmured in your ear " I will miss you sweetheart, So much."

You took a deep breath to hold your tears in "I will miss you too".

You stood like that for a moment. You pretended not to notice the way Steve smelled your hair and planted a lingering kiss on your hair.

You both reluctantly parted.

"I will see you soon stranger" you whispered and started stepping back.

You had to let him go before you did something stupid. But ultimately, Steve beat you to it.

He grabbed your arm as you were about to turn away, jerked you forward, and planted his lips on yours.

There was nothing soft about the kiss. It was bruising. It was months of pent up frustration, attraction and tension all coming to the fore.

One of his hands was tangled in your hair while the other was like a steel band around your waist. You didn't know when your hands ended up crushing the t -shirt material around his chest. It was all tongue and teeth and desperation.

When you both came up for air, Steve looked absolutely wrecked.

He held you close and pressed 6 more quick kisses on your lips.

I *kiss* will *kiss* miss *kiss* you *kiss* so *kiss* much *kiss*

With that, he loosened his grip on your waist and hair and stepped back. Hair out of place and cheeks flushed crimson.

He let out a deep exhale and turned around, speed walking through security, not looking back once.

While you stood there, rooted to the spot for a few minutes, trying to catch your breath and quell the butterflies in your stomach, wondering what the hell just happened.

[phobidawg]

This is insanely late, but I finally finished up my fic for the Renegades Fic Exchange, hosted by @narcissacronin and @ruby-assassin! It’s for @onecannotbebravewhohasnofear with the prompt of “something with Callum.” I hope you like it! <3

SUPERNOVA SPOILERS!

And AU where Callum survived Supernova, and all the team is grown up. It’s Giving Thanks Day, and Nova is completely overhwelmed with preparations, so Callum offers to babysit the kids. 

Word Count- 1728

Callum turned the lock, patting the granda victorian doors fondly. The wooden sign above them read “Treadwell’s Treasures.” The name had been an offhand thought of Nova’s. Though Maggie has scoffed, Callum thought it was charming. And so, the three of them had pooled their money, and bought Callum his dream museum. The museum hosted a wide variety of historical objects and presentations. The council even let Callum showcase many of the unused prodigy objects in the artifacts room, under the condition that they could access them at any time they needed. 

Treadwell’s Treasures was his favorite place to be in the world, hence why it had been open even today, a national holiday. Giving Thanks Day was to honor the gifts they had. It was a holiday that Callum himself had suggested to the Council, and they’d readily agreed.

There was a beep, and Callum looked down at his Renegade watch. He picked it up, and was met with a distressed Nova yelling at someone “no the other pot, there’s already something in that one!”

“Nova, are you okay?” Callum could sense the anxiety and Nova’s overwhelmed state of being through the phone. 

“Hi Callum, it just wanted to remind you that dinner’s at- Andromeda please don’t touch that it’s hot!”

“Dinner?” From the sound of it, that was the last thing Callum expected Nova to tell him about. 

“Yes it’s at 5… OSCAR PLEASE-”

“Do you need a hand?”

“Oh no you don’t have to do that,” There was a bang and a squeal that sounded suspiciously like Oscar in the background. It sounded like Callum did to do that. “I’ll be there in 10!” Callum reponsonded brightly, before hanging up and jogged to his bike. 

Callum never went anywhere by car, he believed that saving the environment was in the small things. He also always wore a helmet, which he buckled now.

Passing through the streets, Callum admired the improvement the Council had made to the dilapidated suburbs. The project was a huge undertaking, and when he had time Callum liked to help the effort. Though the main priority was making them safe to live in, Callum liked it when  the helpers repainted a house a bright color. The reds, yellows, greens, and blues really brightened the atmosphere of the whole place.

Callum turned a corner, smiling at people as he passed. Soon he neared a pretty, light blue house. Parking his bike, he knocked on the door.

Nova opened it, and promptly ushered him in.

“Happy Giving Thanks Day!” She began to hug him, but a “Nova! The pasta is on fire!” quickly recalled her back to the kitchen.

Callum wasn’t alone for long, only moments passed before a little girl came to hug his legs.

“Uncle Callum!” She squealed. He laughed, swinging her up over his head. She shrieked gleefully and he kissed her cheek. Callum loved when Nova’s kids called him Uncle, even if they were by no way related. 

“Andromenda! How’ve you been? How’s Bear?”

Andromeda showcased her stuffed cat proudly. “He got a cut above his eye, but I gave him stitches myself. Callum peered at the stitching. “Wow! You're going to have to give me lessons! I ripped my pants yesterday gardening, can you fix those too?”

Andromeda considered, before nodding, determined. “I’ll fix them!”

“Whew, what would I do without you.” He set her down, and she scampered off to find Nina, Oscar and Ruby’s daughter.

“Callum! Nova said I would find you here.” Adrian clapped his shoulder. The two exchanged greetings as Adrian led him to the back room. “Thank you so much for offering to help out, it’s really hectic- Oscar, his mom, and Ruby’s parents and grandmother are all in the kitchen trying to cook over each other while she leads them, and Ruby and I are busy setting the table and finishing up decorations��� it’ll only be for a half hour before my dads and everyone else come and they’ll be fine on their own.”

“It’s no problem! I’m glad to help.” Callum responded, and Adrian sighed in relief. 

“Thank you so much.” He ran off to find Ruby again, and Callum was left with the kids.

There were three jumping kids, and one in a bucket seat. Andromeda and Nina, the 6 year olds, and Lucas, Ruby and Oscar’s 4 year old son. The one in the bucket seat began to cry, so Callum went over to pick the child up. Cradling the baby, he looked down and bopped it’s nose.

“Why are you so sad Diana?” He cooed, moving around a little bit to soothe her. Diana waved one little fist, sucking on the other. Callum caught the first, and enclosed it in his hand. Diana made a gasping sound, and her eyes widened as she wondered where her fist had gone. Callum smiled, and opened his hand. The little girl goggled at her newly reappeared hand, tears forgotten. Callum bounced her a little, and reached over to get the sash from the table. He handed the little girl to Andromeda for a moment, and put the sash over one shoulder and under the other. He took the baby back and settled her in the hammock like space that was made before turning to face the other children.

“Lucas, Nina! I believe it’s been a full week since I saw you last. Have you been good for your parents?”

The two bounced on the balls on their feet, nodding profusely. Callum smiled at them. “I’ve been good too!” Andromeda piped up. Callum laughed, and dug around in his pocket. Pulling out his hand, he extended it towards the three and opened it. The squealled gleefully when they saw the little caramel chews. Callum mimed a shushing motion, “your parents won’t be very happy since caramel gets stuck in your teeth, but a little extra sweetness has done nothing but help people.” 

“Thank you Uncle Callum!” They chorused, unwrapping them eagerly. 

Diana gurgled, and Callum reached over to grab her bottle. “I didn’t forget you.” He reassured, handing it to her.

“What were you doing before?” He asked when the candies had been eaten.

“We were playing family.” Andromeda informed. 

“I was the baby.” Nina complained, crossing her arms. “I wanted to be the dog!” She exclaimed, “And plus we already have a baby.”

“But Diana can’t play with us, and not every family has a dog.” Andromeda reasoned.

“I’m the Dad.” Lucas stuck his chest out proudly, looking at Andromeda for approval. She was too busy arguing with Nina though. Callum told Lucas he looked very manly.

“Well I can’t see why Nina can’t be a dog, not every couple has a child. Look at Aunt Danna and Aunt Narcissa!”

Nina began to grin, and Andromeda paused, considering.

“Well, they don’t have a dog either.” She said, as if that settled it. 

“That’s because Auntie Narcissa is allergic to dogs.” Lucas pointed out. “If she wasn’t they might!”

“Oh…” 

Callum was a little lost on the logic of toddlers, but could sense it was going to work itself out.

“Does that mean I can be a dog?” Nina was looking between them, equally lost. 

Andromeda didn’t answer, eyebrows furrowed, but Lucas told his sister that of course she could.

“Yay!” Nina jumped up and down.

“Wait, what’s Uncle Callum going to be?” Andromeda asked.

Callum considered, “the next door neighbor?”

“You can be the grandpa!” Lucas giggled, and Callum laughed, joining the game.

~*~

 Once the company began to arrive, they all congregated in the living room. Danna, Narcissa, Maggie, Ruby’s brother’s, Max were all there. After the battle, the last four had become a Renegades team, along with another girl (who couldn't make it tonight.) Hugh and Simon were in their way, as well as Leroy and Danna’s parents. 

Callum took a seat next to Maggie. She and the boys from her team were engaged in a very serious game of Connect 4. It was Maggie and Max against the twins.

Callum whispered something in Maggie’s ear. She grinned and a moment later, she and Max had the twins beat.

“No fair! They cheated!” Jade pointed at him accusingly, but Max and Maggie couldn't hear of the sound of their whooping.

The two hours passed in a joyous blur of talking, friends, and intense games of Uno (Danna won every time.)

Food was served, and the rest of the guests came, the meal was ended, people left to play games in the other room, and an exhausted Nova took a seat next to him.

“How are you feeling?” He asked, taking a bite.

“Aaaaaah.” Nova yell sighed. Callum pat her hand. “This is all amazing, you’ve done an outstanding job.” He reassured. She smiled at him.

“Hosting is hard,” she admitted. “It’s all much better now that I’m sitting though.”

“I wouldn’t know.” He laughed. “Well, I hosted a museum, but that’s very different.”

“Speaking of, how’s your Day of Triumph exhibition going?”

Callum nodded. “Very well, I think the people will walk out understanding both sides, the losses of both, and how it didn’t stop further problems- though a victory nonetheless.”

Nova nodded, fingers tapping her glass. “Are you doing another one of the ‘stand really still and look like a statue’ fundraisers soon? Because Narcissa loved it.”

“She did tell me that afterwards, also she said she had some good books I could borrow for my next exhibit.”

“That’s great!”

There was a pause of silence, before Nova said, “Thank you for coming over and watching the kids today. I know they’re a handful, but it was a huge help.”

Callum just smiled and waved it away. “Anytime, and it was no problem! Love the kids.”

Nova stood up. “You’re the best. Now I have to go wash the dishes.”

Ruby popped her head in the room. “Danna and I have got the dishes!”

Nova looked doubtful. “Clear the table…”

“Adrian did that.” Ruby informed.

“Oh!” Nova was surprised and clearly relieved. Callum gave her a gentle push towards the living room, where Adrian and her other friends were waiting for her on the couch. “Go!” 

Callum watched her sit and give Adrian a kiss on the cheek with content. His friends were happy, Gatlon was on the rise, and all was at peace in the world. He was most definitely thankful.

[doodle--writes]

She’s Hotter- Eddie Kaspbrak X Reader

Word Count: 1,716 Warnings: Cursing Request: hi so idk if your taking requests but may I request an Eddie Kaspbrak X Reader where the reader is Richie's twin sister and she would always make Eddie flustered with her flirty jokes and then Eddie just gives up and kisses her? Thank you! _____

"Mom," Richie whined, "Y/N is using my bike again!"

He yelled into the house from the garage as your mother cooked lunch for herself and Went.

You looked to Richie. Despite being twins, you two were oh so very different. He was very twig-like with eyes too big for his face.

You, on the other hand, were more proportionally stable. Your eyes fit just fine, especially without those ungodly glasses Richard had to wear.

You smacked his arm. "We have the same bike dumb ass. Who cares?" You practically growled it at him, not wanting your darling mother to hear.

He pouted as your mother shouted back a response: "You kids will ditch them in the street later so there's no need to argue."

Those words wrapped up the quarrel, Richie accepting his loss of the argument.

With that, the both of you biked across town towards the Club House. The structure was more or less a ditch in the ground with wooden planks to keep it standing, but in a weird way, it was homey.

Once you were in the woods, you and Rich dumped your bikes into a bush, having seen Bill's bike there as well. Even after a whole damn year, Denbrough had still looked like a toddler on that bike of his.

Richie made some sort of comment about Bill using his bike to compensate for a lack of a dick and you rolled your eyes. How were you related to such an imbecile?

You and Richie wandered around until you spotted the hole in the ground, aka the entrance, leading into the Club House. You hopped down in, landing with a thud that made dust rise.

Looking around, everyone was there except Mike. Poor guy couldn't get off of the farm even if he wanted to. Ben and Bev sat on old palette boxes, just talking. Stan and Bill sat in chairs that looked like they could break any minute as they played cards. Richie walked over to crash their party and you looked over to see Eddie.

Out of the group, most people found themselves drawn towards Bill for his bravery and brotherly comfort, but you were drawn towards Eddie.

Maybe it was because you were the only person who saw Eddie for what he really was. You looked past his involuntary actions caused by his mother. To you he wasn't frail.

Eddie Kaspbrak was simply Eddie; an outspoken, incredibly intelligent, and incredibly feisty boy who just so happened to have a wheezing problem.

"Hey, what're you looking at?"

You were suddenly shook from your thought by Eddie. He looked up at you, cheeks and nose sun-kissed and freckles peppered across them.

You smiled and winked. "Can I borrow your inhaler? I think you just took my breath away."

You giggled while Eddie's cheeks and tips of his ears turned a few hues brighter red.

"You always tease me like that," he pouts.

"Can't help that it's fun." You smiled. "Now c'mon scoot. We can share the hammock."

Eddie muttered something about you being just as insufferable as Richie but you only laughed in response.

The peace continued for a while before Bill called for everyone's attention. He stood on top of one of the chairs, trying not to hit his head on the ceiling.

"We're guh-honna play a game of truth or d-d-dare."

Richie cheered: "bring it on! I'll take anything you virgins give me!"

Bev giggled in the corner and Bill stifled a laugh. The others were fairly unamused.

"So who's going first?" You asked.

Richie gave you a look. "You ask, you go."

You rolled your eyes but you couldn't deny the twitch of a smirk pulling at your lips. "Hm, alright I'll take a dare!"

Everyone looked to Richie to come up with the dare. He sat there, thinking for a moment (which was rare to see him actually thinking). "I dare you to go find a snake and pick it up."

You tried your best to hide a shiver. You didn't hate snakes, they're a little scary is all. But you weren't one to turn down a dare so you climbed out of the Club House and scanned the area for a snake.

You found a tiny black one and decided that was your trophy. So you held it, nearly squealing each time it tried to escape your hand, and took it back to the group.

Once you were back, you held it up in front of Richie before dropping it into his shirt.

For about ten minutes, the entire room was filled of screaming (mainly from Richie) and cursing (also from Richie).

By the time it was over and the snake was back up on the surface, you were nearly wheezing from laughter.

Stan was beginning to get annoyed with your loud behavior, thinking that it must be a Tozier family trait, and was about to say something until he noticed the look on Eddie's face. It was a clear admiration, a similar expression to one he made at Bill but something about it was... gentler.

Curious as to how things would go from here, Stan decided to stay quiet, his own eyes going to Bill.

After you were done with your series of wheezes and laughter, you looked around the room. "Alright, who do I want to target?"

Eddie raised his hand. "I'll take a truth."

You stared at him for a moment, completely shocked that he of all people was volunteering. In the past he hadn't even wanted to witness a game of truth or dare, yet here he was offering to play.

"Hey, I said I'd go. Don't make me change my mind," he pouted, crossing his arms over his chest.

You stopped to think of a question before it suddenly hit you:

"Richie and I are obviously twins, but clearly not the same person. So, which one of us is better looking?"

The whole room went silent before eyes were cast on Eddie.

Richie opened his mouth, starting to say, "me! Is that even a-"

"Y/N."

In a matter of a second, you were next to Eddie, squeezing his cheeks, making them more red than they already were. "Oh Eds! I'm flattered!" You cooed.

He smacked your hand away but Richie didn't take Eddie's choice without insult.

"Oh c'mon Eddie I've known you longer! You're gonna let a stupid girl win this?"

You turned towards Richie. "If I'm at all an idiot, it came from you little brother," you teased.

"Hey I'm only younger by a minute!"

"You're still younger."

"By a fucking minute! I can make Mrs. K orgasm in that time!"

Everyone wrinkled their noses in disgust as Eddie glanced at Richie with a look that was nearly scary. "You're not helping your case Richie," he deadpanned.

Bill (somehow) managed to get everyone back on topic and the game continued for hours until all of you got ready to leave.

As you were ready to mount your bike, Richie came up and told you he was spending the night at Stan's. You didn't mind but the thought of biking home, alone, in the dark was less than appealing.

So as you were ready to speed off, there was a small tap on your shoulder.

You turned to see Eddie sitting there on his bike. "Wanna ride home together?"

You beamed, going to pinch Eddie's cheeks again. "Aww are you worried about me, Eddie-Bear?"

Once again, he swatted your hand away, mumbling something about "more than Richie's stupidity" rubbing off on you.

You laughed as you two began to pedal down the street.

It was quiet other than the sound of your bike creaking and the insects chirping from the trees and greenery.

It wasn't an uncomfortable silence, but you were one who preferred chatter. "Hey Eddie," you smiled, "thanks for calling me the hottest one back there," you winked.

Eddie turned an ungodly shade of red and started to fire off at you, shrill and defensive. "I did not say that! I said I would take you over Richie and almost anyone would say that! I mean Richie is Richie; his glasses are too big, his vision fucking sucks, his sense of humor is garbage, and his hair is atrocious!"

You couldn't help but laugh. "Oh c'mon Eddie, his hair isn't that bad. Although I do seem like a model compared to him, don't I?" You flipped your hair, almost falling off of your bike in the process.

After another long silence, Eddie asked if you would wanna come into his house for a few minutes. "My mom should be asleep so I can sneak you in."

You smiled. "Yeah I'd like that."

Only, once you got to Eddie's house, you could hear that his mom wasn't asleep after all so the two of you sat on his front porch, quietly talking.

Keeping your voice low, you began to taunt Eddie. "You know, you're so cute when you get all flustered."

Just by saying that, Eddie's cheeks began to heat up. "Oh shut it."

You leaned closer, resting your head in your hands, feigning innocence. "Oh yeah? Make me."

And Eddie made you.

As soon as you spoke, his hands were on either sides of your face, palms open against your cheeks as he gave you perhaps one of the most child-like, yet meaningful kisses one could imagine.

There wasn't anything to it; just lips against each other for a few seconds before Eddie let go. He immediately stood up and went to grab the door but you stopped him by pulling on the hem of his shirt.

For once, you were speechless.

It was only after staring at him for a few moments did you realize what you could say.

"Shut me up more often."

Eddie cracked a grin, looking down at you from where he stood. "I think I will, but I swear to God if you tell Richie-"

"There's my Eddie," you laughed and he laughed too.

After a moment you stood up and give him a peck on the cheek. "Goodnight Eddie. I'll see you around."

"Goodnight Y/N."

On the bike ride home, all you could think was: huh, all that flirting really did pay off.

[justjessame]

The Deal Chapter 26

Two months. It’s been two months since the quarry diversion. Two months since the invasion of savages with “W” on their foreheads had attacked. Two months since walkers had spilled into Alexandria, making Daryl create a lake of fire to deal with them.

Carl survived. He wore a bandage across his head, hiding the eye that Ron’s shot had taken from him. I teased him that now Dad had to catch up with him on gunshot wounds. He’d smiled, remembering the Greene farm like I had. Strangely happier times.

We had a new wall in place. Daryl had returned to supply runs. Eugene was doing gate duty. Burying the dead. Burning the undead. And business was back to normal.

Dad and Daryl headed out for another run. And Dad took the time to stop, kiss me goodbye and remind me that he’d be back. Daryl absently did the same. His mind clearly on the task that lay ahead of them. And as I held Judith up, waving her hand for her to say goodbye to Daddy and Uncle Daryl, I tried not to dwell on anything gloomy. I was trying to keep myself present. To find my way back to myself.

When Dad and Daryl returned, they had a stranger with them. Dad told me his nickname was Jesus, but I could have heard him wrong, because I was heading to bed. So tired that I was pretty damn sure I’d be asleep before my head hit the pillow.

I woke pretty damn quick. Hearing steps on the stairs, hearing a gun cocking, hearing Dad and Michonne’s voices joining the noise, I opened my door and tried to make sense of the scene in front of me. Happy for once that Daryl hadn’t joined me in bed.

If I had to guess, the man held at gunpoint by Carl would be Jesus. I could see the resemblance. And he was offering to tell us about his community, the Hilltop. Grabbing a long flannel shirt to cover my nightgown, I followed them downstairs.

He was painting a more rural version of Alexandria. A group that farmed and lived off the grid, basically, and he was offering to take some of our people to meet his leader. I listened, and watched Dad absorb the information. As he looked at Carl and me sitting in one chair, I knew we’d stay behind. Which was fine by me, but little brother liked to be in the thick of things.

Carl’s urge to go was tempered by Dad charging him with Judith and my safety. And the safety of Alexandria, just in case he needed extra bragging rights. I wasn’t surprised that Daryl went. Or Maggie, Glenn, Abraham- It was our life.

When Maggie came back, with an ultrasound of the baby, I knew that the sweet confirmation of her joy wasn’t going to flush away the clear agitation running off of Dad when he ordered a meeting in the church.

A new enemy. The Saviors. Dad urges to strike first. Morgan counters with setting up talks, negotiations. And the vote, which I abstained from, came down on Dad’s side. Another war. More loss.

When the group leaves, I visit Morgan. He’d been spending a great deal of time in the house that he’d been held in when he first arrived. When I walked downstairs, I realized why. He was creating a cell. And I asked why.

“Options,” was his simple answer, and I waited for more. “Death doesn’t have to be the only option, Jessi.”

Ah, he wanted to have the chance to talk us into keeping prisoners. I wished him luck and he stopped me as I started to leave. “You know, you don’t have to keep bottling it up. You can find a healthy way to let it out.”

I shook my head and left. He didn’t have a fucking clue.

They returned. Dad and his ragtag band of survivors. Success was declared. No loss on our side. But Maggie didn’t look great. Luckily Glenn seemed to notice. And they walked off together and I hoped that they’d get a break now.

Daryl had relocated his missing bike, which I was certain I should know more about, and yet, I couldn't dredge up the memory. And he doesn’t seem inclined to share.

The runs begin almost immediately after our “win”. Denise asks Daryl and Rosita to take her out. Which seems odd, but what do I know? And Eugene and Abraham go on their own run.

Things happen in rapid fire. Daryl and Rosita come back, Denise is dead. I watch as Daryl buries her himself, trying to get him to open up to me. To tell me why he feels like every death is his personal failure, but I see that Daryl Dixon stoic asshole has returned with a vengeance. Or maybe he didn’t return, I consider, as I watch Carol approach and a conversation starts. Maybe I’m not the person he gets his comfort from anymore.

Denise died, but Eugene was wounded. He’s housed in the infirmary. Which has to be pretty damn sparse now that Denise isn’t there to care for the wounded.

I’m the last to notice Carol left. I don’t really know why. Maybe I’ve fallen backwards in my road to recovery and I slipped into that dark void without knowing. Maybe.

Dad’s confidence, even with the attack that left Denise dead, has grown. Daryl’s plagued by guilt. And then he roars out of the community alone. And Michonne, Glenn, and Rosita follow. I know because the gate attendant tells me when I take Judith for a walk. I brush it off. I’m sure it’ll be fine. I try to adopt Daryl’s attitude, but it doesn’t fit me. And Dad and Morgan have gone too.

When Dad returns, alone, I clamp down on any fear that I feel rushing up. There’s nothing to worry about. Don’t borrow trouble.

But then, as I’m taking care of Judith, I hear Maggie’s scream echoing around me. Rushing to the house next door, I find her curled on the floor with a terrified Enid standing there without a clue of what’s wrong. I send her to find Dad, and the decision is made for her to return to Hilltop. There’s a doctor there, the one who did her ultrasound, and he should be able to help.

Carl and Dad pack lightly. Sasha, Eugene, Abraham, and Aaron go along too. Dad leaves Gabe in charge, glancing at me to let me know I’m in charge of watching Gabe, just in case.

Carl takes me aside and lets me know that he’d locked poor Enid in the armory because she’d argued about going with them. I promise to check on her, and they hug me goodbye.

It doesn’t take long until I get a nagging feeling of unease. Like a feeling I hadn’t had since Dad and Daryl both were hurt. That skin crawling coldness that warned me of impending doom for someone I loved. And once I felt it, I couldn’t set my mind on anything else.

Searching our house, I finally found the map that Dad had brought back showing Hilltop. I traced the path they’d take to get there, looking for clues to what I could be feeling. I saw plenty of places where an ambush could be set. Or a roadblock. Any number of ways to create problems for them along their way.

The feeling didn’t leave. I packed a light backpack, and grabbed Judith in my arms and jogged to the armory. Letting Enid out, and cutting off her anger and ranting, I told her I was leaving my baby sister in her care. That she had to keep her safe and that I’d be back. She tried to ask questions, but I shook her off. Now that the feeling had taken root, I had to go.

I left by the front gate. It wasn’t all that difficult, honestly. And I grabbed one of the vehicles I’d seen the others use for runs, and then, I started out to trace the path that Dad and the others had taken. Hopefully I could stop whatever horrors I felt brewing before they happened.

[goodlucktai]

For the prompt would you mind writing natsume's friends seeing him return a name, whether because they're in danger or because nasume feels comfortable enough to let them see would be great! Thanks!

x

It’s late– close to three a.m. on a school night, according to the digital clock on the wall– but Natsume is a light sleeper. He wakes up at the sound of a light tapping on the living room window, and turns to find Nyanko-sensei’s eyes glinting in the darkness from beside his pillow. 

“Some weakling has come for their name,” the lucky cat says, voice low in deference to the sleeping bodies piled around them. “Want me to send it packing?”

Natsume sits up, thinking very carefully. “A weakling? You’re sure?”

If Nyanko-sensei knows where he’s going with this, he doesn’t comment beyond, “Not even as strong as your little kappa. Reiko must have been playing a joke when she took this one.”

With a glance around the room, eyes lingering on the sprawled forms of his  friends, Natsume makes up his mind. “Take it to the roof. I’ll meet you there.”

By the time the window is sliding shut behind the cat with a soft snap, Kitamoto is blinking blearily and Tanuma is shoving hair out of his face and Nishimura is whining, “Natsume, what?”

“Do you remember what I told you?” he asks in a whisper. “About my grandmother’s book?”

This has Tanuma’s interest at once, eyes flying to meet Natsume’s like lightning. The other two are a little slower on the uptake, but they seem to glean the importance of the question just from Natsume’s tone, or from the strange time of night for him to be asking, or maybe just because it’s been three years and they’ve always been able to figure him out. 

“The book of scribbles you showed us, right?” Kitamoto asks. “The names she took when she was our age that you’ve been returning?”

“Right. Would you like to see?”

Tanuma brightens, there’s no better word for it. His smile could fill the room. 

“I’ll go get Taki,” he says, and heads down the hall on silent feet to where their missing friend is sleeping in Mana’s bedroom. 

“You sure, Natsume?” Nishimura says, hair a messy halo, eyes still smudged with sleep. “You don’t have to prove anything to us, you know. If you say there are spirits, then of course there are. And if this thing with your grandma is special to you, and something you want to keep secret, then you should.” 

“Can’t deny we’re curious,” Kitamoto adds, his voice soft in the dark, because his parents and sister are sleeping just a few rooms away. “But if you’d rather we stayed behind, we will.”

And they would, if he asked. They wouldn’t mind at all. They’d ask Taki and Tanuma a hundred questions when they returned, and bemoan not seeing the spectacle for themselves, but they would never push. 

Natsume’s heart is so full there’s not really any room for fear, but with that his friends would have banished it anyway. He told them the truth what feels like a long time ago, in their second year of high school, and they accepted it as easily as they did everything else about him. Graduation is just around the corner, and they all have big plans of moving into a house together while they tackle jobs and university, and Natsume is certain of his friends the way he’s certain of the Fujiwaras, that they’re good and they’re safe and they’re his to keep. 

So he says, “You can get us up to the roof, right? I know the access door is locked, but Nishimura says the three of you always sneak up there on Mana’s birthday to light sparklers.”

His friends grin at him, as bright as they were the day they taught him to ride a bike. Taki and Tanuma make it back to the living room as they’re all shuffling around trying to find jackets without knocking anything over. Taki whispers, “I’msoexcitedNatsumeyouhavenoidea,” and Nishimura squeaks when he misses the step into the genkan and almost falls, but they manage to slip outside the apartment without waking Kitamoto’s family. 

The locked door is easily circumvented with a sharp twist of the handle, and the night air is cool as they pick their way up the stairwell and onto the roof. 

The spirit waiting there is about as tall as Natsume’s knee, not counting the six-inch antlers. It looks a little bit like a stoat, dressed in a neat yukata, wringing its hands nervously as it lingers on the very edge of the roof like it’s second-guessing its decision to come to this human place. 

“There you are,” Nyanko-sensei grumbles. He waddles over, pawing at Tanuma’s pant leg until Tanuma sighs and stoops down to pick him up. “The weakling was beginning to think you wouldn’t show and I only brought it up here to eat it.”

“Sensei,” Natsume scolds him, but it’s ruined by Nishimura stifling laughter.

“Would it be okay if I drew a circle, Natsume?” Taki asks eagerly, holding up a piece of the colored chalk she tends to keep in her pocket for moments just like this one.

Natori has explained the taboo to her about a dozen times now, but he would have better luck convincing the sea to sit still than he does convincing Taki not to use the legacy her grandfather left behind. Natsume knows better, and gives her the go-ahead.

It’s the work of an efficient fifteen seconds, and when she stands back with an accomplished smile and blue-dusted fingers, Natsume addresses the spirit kindly. 

“Step into the circle, please. It won’t hurt you, and my friends would like to meet you before you go.”

It hesitates, but Natsume has learned nothing from life if not patience. He waits, relaxed and nonthreatening, and his friends take their cues from him. It doesn’t take longer than two minutes for the spirit to brave the first step forward. 

When it’s visible to the others, Taki gasps, “Oh, how lovely!” and it stands a little taller. Kitamoto and Tanuma both snort, and Nishimura says, “Okay, when’s the last time a girl said that about one of you?” and a whispered argument picks up like clockwork.

Natsume rolls his eyes, but his chest is warm. He settles in front of the spirit and opens the book in his lap. The pages begin to rustle apart, and Natsume says, “You don’t owe me any more favors, but could you tell me what my grandmother was like? She took your name, so I’ll understand if you’re angry with her, but I didn’t get to know her at all before she died.”

The spirit tilts its head, round eyes searching. It says, “Reiko wasn’t very much like you at all. She was always by herself. She liked deals and games, and she would rather win something than just ask for it. I was her friend, I would have given her whatever she asked for, but that just wasn’t her way. You’re really her descendant?” When Natsume nods, the spirit considers him carefully and then says, “Good. She would have liked you.”

It’s the first time anyone has told him that, and Natsume struggles to find his voice again. He wants to ask more, to ask everything, but he’s borrowed enough of this little spirit’s time as it is. So he says thank you, and locates its name, aglow with the confusing and exhilarating idea that his reckless, daring, amazing grandmother might have liked him. 

“Shut up, brats, or you’ll miss it,” Nyanko-sensei snaps from somewhere behind him. “And I’m not chaperoning another field trip like this one if you do.”

“They were talking! It would have been rude to eavesdrop!” comes Tanuma’s scandalized reply. 

“Your friends are silly,” the spirit says, as Natsume tears its contract from the book. It’s finally smiling, and its expression has softened. “Reiko would have wanted you to keep them.”

Natsume grins back, unchecked. “That’s the plan.”

[lilyvandersteen]

Facing Your Dragons Chapter 7

Author’s Note: I know, I know... It's been ages!! The fact of the matter is, though, no matter how much I like writing this story, I have no real plot for it, and it's going to be shelved after this chapter until I figure out where to take it. I know that I want Sam to end up living at Blaine's house, and I know I want to keep the tone of the story light and upbeat and fluffy. Apart from that, it's all a big blank. Suggestions are more than welcome. Please help me shape this story, so that I can bring it to a satisfying conclusion.

Chapter 7: Back to School

When he felt his phone buzz with a text message notification, Blaine got off his motorbike and sighed.

Show time, I guess.

He’d arrived at school early, had parked his bike near the back entrance and had been waiting for Kurt and his girls to turn up.

From: Kurt

We’re under the bleachers.

Blaine made his way to the bleachers, his eyes darting left and right to check for jocks with a grudge, but there were none. Too early in the day, perhaps.

Kurt was leaning against a metal pole, his eyes half-mast and his lips curled into a lopsided smirk.

Blaine couldn’t help grinning, and Kurt beamed back and met him half-way for a kiss.

“He’s cute, Porcelain, I’ll give you that,” a smoky voice behind them drawled.

Blaine turned around to look at the three girls under the bleachers. One blonde and two brunettes, all sporting the same smirk he’d seen on Kurt’s face just now. Had to be a Skank thing.

“Nice butt,” said Brunette no. 1, peering at him from over her glasses.

The blonde gave Blaine a slow once-over and then an approving nod. “He clearly works out. Great biceps, and look at the thighs of him!”

Kurt huffed. “Stop objectifying my boyfriend.”

They quirked an eyebrow at him – eerie how in tune they were – and said in unison, “No.”

“You bring us a piece of man candy, we’re gonna look,” said Brunette no. 2.

Kurt rolled his eyes and turned to Blaine. “Okay, so… These are my girls: Lauren Zizes, Santana Lopez and Quinn Fabray. Girls, this is Blaine Anderson, my boyfriend. Look all you like, but don’t touch. He’s mine.”

Santana snorted, and Lauren murmured something like, “Making no promises.”

Blaine smiled at the girls. “Nice to meet you.”

Quinn smiled back politely. “Pleased to meet you too.”

Santana snorted. “No need to dust off your country club manners for us.”

“At least I have manners,” Quinn bit back. “And they’ll help me get out of here after high school.”

Lauren rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah, you’ll go to an Ivy League school and become a big-shot lawyer and fight for women’s rights in America. Tell that to someone who’ll believe you. None of those snobby schools is gonna want a teen mom.”

Quinn’s spine stiffened. “That’s behind me.”

“It’s all in the records. Like your Lucy Caboosey period. It’s gonna come back to haunt you forever.”

“Fuck you!” Quinn snarled, and she stalked off in a huff.

Kurt swore under his breath and went after her, talking to her in a low but urgent voice, and eventually bringing her back.

Lauren grinned and seemed to gear up for another attack, but Kurt stopped her. “Don’t. Okay? I know you’ve got ammo enough to make all of us miserable, but let’s face it, everyone else here at school already has it out for us, so it would be nice if we Skanks could have each other’s backs. All right?”

Lauren shrugged. “Sure, ruin my fun.”

Kurt smirked at her. “Oh, I’ll give you plenty of fun. Blaine here knocked Karofsky into hospital, and his football buddies will no doubt try and get even with him. So girls, stick with us and show those jocks why nobody messes with us.”

The three girls grinned at Kurt, their good humour restored at once.

“I can defend myself,” Blaine grumbled.

Kurt rubbed his arm in comfort. “I know. But one more strike and you’re out. And I want you to stay here at McKinley. So let us deal with the blockheads. They won’t come anywhere near you with us around.”

Blaine gave in with bad grace, and went over his schedule for the Skanks’ benefit. He shared each of his classes with at least one of them, and promised to stick with them to keep safe.

He soon found out that Kurt was right. Everyone, even the jocks, gave the Skanks a wide berth.

“We can fleece them with our snark, kill them with our glares and hurt them in a million ways,” Kurt explained during AP French. “We’re not boxers, but Quinn and Santana and I used to be Cheerios, and you don’t want to be on the receiving end of our high kicks. You really don’t. And Lauren is a champion wrestler.”

Blaine blinked at Kurt. “You were a what?”

“A Cheerio. That’s what the cheerleaders are called here.”

Blaine looked at his boyfriend, trying to picture him in tight spandex, showing off his acrobatic prowess. Nice!

“So why did you quit?”

Kurt shrugged. “Quinn got kicked off the squad when she got pregnant. Santana got kicked off when she got a boob job. At least, I think that was the reason. And for me, it was the community service that did me in. The Cheerios’ schedule is insane. They train for hours and hours every day, even on weekends. And Coach Sylvester didn’t like me skipping training on Wednesdays and Saturdays to go sing and tell stories at the home. At first, she cut me some slack, ‘cause her sister lived in a home too, and ‘cause she has a soft spot for me, and ‘cause I always trained at home by myself those days. But then my forty hours were up, and I just kept going to the home, though I didn’t have to anymore. And she told me I had to make a choice: Cheerios or volunteering. I bet she thought I’d snap out of it fast. But I’d already lost my friends Quinn and Santana on the squad, and volunteering made me happy. So I handed in my uniform and left.”

Blaine pouted, sad that Kurt no longer had the uniform, because oh, the possibilities…

« Monsieur Hummel et compagnon, comme vous semblez avoir une opinion très forte concernant Baudelaire, vous pouvez venir ici et nous en parler ! » (Mr. Hummel and company, seeing as you seem to hold a strong opinion on Baudelaire, you can come here and tell us about it!)

Blaine looked up at the teacher, aghast, but Kurt wasn’t intimidated in the least. He went to stand at the teacher’s desk, and gave a passionate speech about Baudelaire, and about his work being censured for the themes it contained. All in French. And he ended it by reciting what he said was his favourite Baudelaire poem.

Blaine’s mouth wasn’t the only one hanging open when Kurt stopped talking. Even the teacher needed a minute to regroup.

“Intéressant. Je vois que Baudelaire vous passionne. Et vous, Monsieur… ? » (Interesting. I can tell you’re passionate about Baudelaire. What about you, Mr. …?)

“Anderson,” Blaine hastened to supply. “Comme je viens de dire à Monsieur Hummel, je préfère l’œuvre de Verlaine. J’adore sa musicalité. » (As I just told Mr. Hummel, I prefer Verlaine’s work. I love his musicality.)

Just then, the bell rang, and Blaine felt his anxiety ebb away.

The teacher smiled at him. “Très bien. La semaine prochaine, vous pouvez nous en parler plus en détail. Cela compensera pour les devoirs que vous avez manqué les jours passés. » (Very well. Next week, you can tell us more about it. That will make up for the homework you didn’t make the previous days.)

Blaine nodded and jotted down the assignment before gathering his stuff and following Kurt out of the classroom.

“Your French is impressive,” he told Kurt, who grinned and told him he looked forward to hearing Blaine’s views on Verlaine.

In the cafeteria, Kurt steered Blaine towards what he said was the glee club table, and he introduced Blaine as his boyfriend, which made Blaine’s stomach swoop happily and made him beam like an idiot.

The only one at the table Blaine recognized was Rachel, who greeted him and asked if he was joining glee club.

“Oh… Uhm… I…”

“Your singing voice could use some work, but it’s got definite potential.”

Kurt rolled his eyes at Rachel and then turned to Blaine. “So that’s Rachel. You already know her from the home. Next to her is Finn, and then there’s Artie, Tina, Mercedes, Puck, Mike and Sam.”

“Sam’s the one from the superhero club?” Blaine whispered to Kurt, and Sam perked up when he heard the club mentioned.

“Yep, that’s me. Blonde Chameleon at your service! What’s your super alter ego?”

Lunch hour flew by as Blaine talked superheroes with Sam, and he had to be reminded by Kurt that the bell was about to ring, and that Quinn was waiting for him to go to AP Biology.

Blaine quickly exchanged numbers with Sam and then hurried away.

That afternoon, after a history class he shared with Lauren, Blaine was accosted by Rachel, who asked if he was going to the home.

“N-no. I’m scheduled tomorrow.”

“I see. Well, think about glee club, okay?”

Blaine nodded, and then his face brightened when he saw Kurt coming towards him, Sam by his side.

“Mind if Sam joins our cooking lesson today?” Kurt asked.

Blaine grinned and shook his head. “Awesome. Are your brother and sister coming too?”

Sam grinned back. “Yep. We were just about to go and pick them up from school.”

“Come to my place,” Blaine said. “So you can borrow that comic book I was talking about at lunch. And there’s a big garden to play in, and spare bedrooms for when your brother and sister get tired. Mom won’t mind a bit, I promise.”

Kurt frowned. “Dad won’t like that. He had to make his own dinner yesterday, and grumbled about it.”

“Well, today at yours and tomorrow at my place, then, maybe?” Blaine asked.

Kurt bit his lip. “Friday Night Dinner is sacred for Dad. Can’t skip it. But you and Sam can cook by yourselves. I’m thinking vegetable wok. I’ll write down the recipe for you.”

Blaine looked at Sam. “What do you say? Can we do this? Stevie and Stacie can help, too.”

“We can do this! I do have a shift delivering pizzas starting at eight p.m., though, so we’ll have to make it an early dinner. Today too.”

“No problem,” Kurt promised.

Stevie and Stacie proved to be just as outgoing and friendly as their older brother, and instantly enamoured with Blaine when he told them the story of Jack and the Beanstalk while they were cooking.

When Burt got home, he grumbled a bit about Kurt always bringing more people home, but soon enough, he was talking cars with Stevie and football with Sam and Blaine, with a wide smile. And when Stacie fell asleep on the sofa soon after dinner, Burt was the one to suggest Sam’s siblings could stay over and sleep in the spare bedroom.

“And you can kip on the sofa,” Burt said to Sam, “after your shift. Kurt will give you the spare key.”

Sam looked at his sleeping sister, bit his lip and nodded, walking out of the living room. “I need to call my mom.”

He came back a few minutes later and said it was okay. “I asked for tomorrow, too, Blaine, if you were serious about us staying over?”

Blaine beamed at Sam. “Totally! It’s going to be amazing!”

Sam carefully woke Stacie so she could get ready for bed, and Kurt and Blaine went to the attic to find her and Stevie some pajamas from when Kurt was little, sharing some sweet kisses while they were alone together.

As soon as the children were tucked in, Sam and Blaine left, and Blaine dropped Sam off at the pizza place. “See you tomorrow! Can you find someone to bring you back to Kurt’s?”

“Yep, no problem, Puck will come and pick me up. Thanks, man!”

K&B

On Friday morning, Blaine had his first altercation with a jock since he’d come back. He was securing his motorbike when something hit the back of his head. Hard.

A voice hissed, “You think you can put my best friend in hospital and then come back here and parade your nancy boy around school?”

Blaine turned around slowly, and saw a tall black teen glaring at him.

“Adams! No fighting or you’re off the team!”

The jock turned towards his coach and opened his mouth to retaliate, but she stopped him. “No, I don’t need to hear it. I know what happened to Karofsky, but I also know it was provoked. I know that under Coach Tenaka, you could do as you pleased, but I’m telling you now that I don’t condone fighting. Nor bullying. I don’t care how well you play. I WILL throw you off the team if you so much as touch this boy again. Leave him alone.”

The jock glared at her. “And let him get away with almost killing Dave?”

The coach sighed. “Don’t exaggerate. Karofsky was never in any danger of dying. And it was five against one, hardly a fair fight. Can’t fault the boy for wanting to knock you guys out as fast as he could. I would have done the same. Why were you picking on him anyway?”

That seemed to take the wind out of the jock’s sails, who shrunk and shrugged.

“Just for the fun of it, huh? Well, that stops now. I’m going to work you guys so hard that you won’t have any time or energy for shenanigans.”

The jock grumbled under his breath.

“How many games have you won so far, Adams?”

More grumbling.

“My goal is to make you winners. So you had better apply yourself, or I’ll find a replacement for you. Is that clear?”

The jock nodded.

“Now clear out and leave this boy alone.”

The coach stared the jock down until he turned and left, and then turned to Blaine. “I know the fight wasn’t your idea. And I promise I’ll keep an eye out for you, pumpkin.”

“Thank you, Coach.”

She smiled at Blaine. “Feel free to join our power training on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sometimes we do some boxing, and I think my boys can learn a thing or two from you.”

Blaine grimaced. “I’m not sure I want them to learn how to beat me up.”

“Adams and Karofsky tend to skip power training, pumpkin. They’re lazy. As soon as I find decent replacements for them, they’ll be out in a heartbeat.”

Blaine stared at her. “Won’t their parents make a fuss?”

“More likely they’ll be mad at their son. I’ve won the championship with every team I’ve ever coached. So if their child doesn’t make the team, they’ll blame him, not me.”

She winked at Blaine and walked off.

K&B

That afternoon, Sam and his siblings came to the home with Blaine, and together, they told the story of the Four Clever Brothers, who saved a princess from a dragon.

Like Dolores had said, Sam was great at doing voices, and the children listened as if spellbound, and cheered when after the story, Blaine announced they still had time for a few songs.

Sam played the guitar this time, and they all sang together until the hour was up.

At Blaine’s house, they did their homework before starting on dinner, Blaine pairing up with Stacie and Sam with Stevie to help them where needed.

When Pam came home, Blaine and Sam were wearing Star Wars costumes from Blaine’s chest of Halloween apparel, re-enacting a fight scene to the loud encouragement of Stevie and Stacie.

Pam quirked an eyebrow at Blaine and inquired, “New boyfriend already?”

“Mom!!”

She smirked when Blaine hotly denied having swapped boyfriends, but her eyes softened when he introduced his new friends. Clearly, she remembered what Kurt had told them about Sam’s family, which was probably why she didn’t say a word when Blaine mentioned all the Evans children were staying over.

The next morning, when Sam’s parents came to pick up their children and thanked Pam for her hospitality, she reiterated what she’d told Kurt. “You know, this house is WAY too big for just the two of us, and I’m having a hard time covering the rent on my own. So if you like, you and your family could move in here temporarily, until you get back on your feet. You could have the second and third floor, and share the kitchen and the living room with us.”

The Evanses looked taken aback, and Pam waved a dismissive hand. “Yes, this is sudden, and we don’t know each other yet, and I’m probably weird for mentioning this straight off the bat. I know, I know. I don’t expect you to decide right away, of course, but think about it? Our children get along well, and it would help out both our families.”

Mrs Evans nodded and thanked Pam again, with a smile that was a bit brittle around the edges, but genuine nonetheless.

Her sad eyes haunted Blaine the whole weekend.

[prairiesongserial]

10.12

The convent bell clanged dinnertime. Friday could still hear it over the fans in the New Orleans bar, even though the bar was all the way down by the waterfront. It was a two-story place that reminded her of the Ace a little, only the games tables were upstairs, and the dancing downstairs. Friday leaned over a pool table as the convent bell finished its final peal.

New Orleans was a city the way Vegas was a city. The Convent of the Holy Mother stood sternly to the north, overlooking the clusters of little homes with bright blue, teal, orange, and yellow corrugated roofs. Those were Friday’s favorites to admire, as they popped up in every nook and cranny of the city which must once have been “Orleans” and now was something else entirely.

There was some of the old infrastructure left. A lot, really, compared to Vegas, a place where almost everything was new - and would be newer still, once they rebuilt after the fire. New Orleans was deceptively old, for all its name implied. The tin-roof homes squeezed between equally bright two-story apartments with yellow walls and green trim, their balconies stripped of their railings, but the rest still very much kept alive with fresh paint every season.

What amazed Friday most was how many people there were. There were people drinking beers on their no-railing balconies, people busking, and people eating metallic-smelling sea-fare that Friday soon learned was called oysters. When she’d asked the oyster eaters what the smell in the air was, a pretty woman with an accent that was twin to Val’s had told her she was smelling the sea. The woman had given Friday an oyster, too, and the face Friday had made had sent the whole group into hysterics. After half an hour of drinking together, everyone was on a first name basis, and the woman, Vivian, had told Friday where the good shopping was.

It was several outings into the city that slowly built Friday’s sea-legs, but she wasn’t sure if New Orleans made her feel at home, or more homesick than ever. There was a lot of Vegas in the city. Though no gangs, she marvelled. Vegas wasn’t so bad, though, when it came to that; you could almost forget about the gangs, sometimes. Vegas’s five gangs were so well-balanced that if one acted out, the other four would crush it and divvy up the city into fourths instead. Things like that had happened in Friday’s grandmother’s time, and a few wise people still remembered. There was hardly any violence on that account. Just tithes that creeped up every year.

That afternoon at the convent, Friday had been wearing a yellow and white crepe jumpsuit she had picked up in town, when a sister a little older than the ones Val had been teaching that morning commented.

“You look like a regular townie now, Miss Friday,” the girl had teased.

“I’m a townie wherever I go,” Friday said, twirling to demonstrate the superior power of crepe. It twirled fantastically. “Do you girls ever get into town?”

The sister laughed. “Of course not. We can go to town on market day to represent the convent, but that’s only the older sisters. And sisters with medical learning make the rounds down there sometimes. But I’m still a novitiate.”

“You’re kidding,” Friday said. “How old are you?”

“Eighteen this year, Miss,” the sister said. “Mary Rose, pleased to make your acquaintance.”

One thing led to another, and suddenly Friday and Mary Rose and a couple of the other older novitiates were taking a wholesome walk along the pier, purely for the exercise and edification of the girls, and then it was getting late, and since they were going to miss dinner anyway, Friday suggested they should grab a bite of food at one of the many bars on the waterfront.

Half the girls were downstairs dancing, despite how hot they must have been in their habits. The others, the more shy among the sisters, were shadowing Friday upstairs. The upstairs was breezy, with the whole sea-facing side open to the air. Arches supported by slim wooden pillars separated the inside of the game room from the balcony, which had also been pillaged of its railings. Friday shot the cue ball, just failing to sink her goal into the pocket.

“Is that what’s supposed to happen?” Mary Rose asked. She toyed with her own pool cue.

“No,” said a handsome man from the other side of the table. His skin was as dark as Mary Rose’s, and his hair was twisted into very short locs. Gold piercings ran up each of his ears. He took his shot, and Friday was annoyed to find he was very good at pool.

Friday glimpsed another sister - Mary Justine, possibly - being bought a drink. Mary Justine loudly proclaimed that she had taken a vow of abstinence.

“I think MJ needs rescuing,” Friday whispered to Mary Rose. “Take my turn for me?”

Mary Rose gasped, just now noticing Mary Justine’s plight. Friday squeezed her shoulder and walked away, making a beeline for the bar. She wrapped an arm around Mary Justine’s shoulder, squeezing her close.

“You’re not getting any ideas, I hope,” Friday teased the stranger. “We’re just out for a good time tonight.”

The woman at the bar was the same woman Friday had met a few days ago, Vivian, who had given her an oyster. Her short black hair was plastered to her skin in little swirls, and she wore a green dress that cut a lovely contour.

She looked at Friday with some alarm.

“I should have known the nuns wouldn’t be here without a bad influence,” she said. She drummed her fingers on the bar as the bartender returned with the drink she had bought for Mary Justine. It was pink and peppered with chunks of fruit, so the sister would probably like it. Vivian waited for the bartender to put some distance between them before she continued. “But I don’t think you are out for a good time, Friday Wilmot.”

Almost imperceptibly, Vivian tipped her head to gesture to a curling poster hung up behind the bar.

Friday saw her own face staring back at her. She squinted to read the text, trying not to be obvious about it, but all she could make out was the reward, printed large. Val’s face was put up next to hers, and she could only assume that there were posters for John and Cody nearby.

“That’s a lot of money,” Vivian said.

Friday turned her back on the bar, shielding the side of her face with one hand.

Mary Justine, unaware of the conversation, was making eyes at the woman over her drink. Friday touched her shoulder, lightly.

“MJ, what do you say you join me in the bathroom momentarily?” Friday said.

“But…”

Friday steered her away, quickly locking the both of them in the powder room behind the bar. The bar bathrooms Friday was used to had bare floorboards, a pot, and if you were lucky, a sliver of soap and a basin of water. This one was painted red, heavily perfumed, and even had a mirror above the basin. Still bare floorboards, though.

“There’s a poster behind the bar with my face on it, and I need to borrow your habit,” Friday said.

Mary Justine gasped. “But...the habit is not a costume, Miss Friday,” she argued. Then she bit her lip. “Why is there a poster of you?”

“I…” Friday frowned. “I don’t know.”

Why was there a poster of her? So far as she knew, she hadn’t given anyone a reason to connect her with John and Cody and any of their gang business. She’d seen the body by the riverbank. There had been no one alive to see her and Val pile John and Cody onto the bikes. And if the Dead Eyes had been looking for the two of them from the start, the Ace wouldn’t have been left alone.

The poster of Val was even more of a mystery. So far as the Dead Eyes knew, Val had burned with the church. So why make a wanted flier of him, too?

Someone they had met along the way hadn’t been who they’d seemed. That was the only possible explanation. But there was no time to think about who it had been, or why. She had to get back to the convent and warn the others. Friday groaned, running a hand back through her hair. Who knew how long that poster had been up? And here she’d been, running all over town making friends. Telling people she was staying at the convent. Plus, bringing a bunch of sisters with her into town sure was a great way to make herself the center of attention.

“Um, Miss Friday?” Mary Justine hesitantly touched her arm, and Friday lowered her hand from her hair. “It really isn’t a costume, but…” She took off her habit, revealing curly ginger hair pulled back in a sensible bun at the base of her neck. “I don’t like gangs, no one in New Orleans does, but that’s a lot of money, and…” she straightened, putting on self-confidence. “I think it would be Christ-like to remove the temptation.”

Friday leaned back against the wall, sighing with such relief that it brought tears to her eyes. “Thank you, MJ.”

“Alright, enough of that,” Mary Justine said. She started to undress, and Friday followed suit.

Soon the swap was done. The two of them looked in the mirror, side by side. Mary Justine had let her hair down, and seemed uncomfortable every time a lock grazed her cheek. She was a little taller than Friday, and the crepe jumpsuit was a touch sexier on her.

“The harlot of Jericho was made a saint,” Mary Justine muttered, as if trying to convince herself. She was red to the tips of her ears.

“Attagirl,” said Friday, giving Mary Justine a hearty squeeze around the shoulders. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

Mary Justine gave Friday a withering look, and Friday let go. The habit felt strange. Mary Justine had been right - it wasn’t a costume. It held a significant weight that Friday was fairly sure was mostly in her head. She wondered if Val’s collar had the same heft.

“Really, thank you,” Friday said. “I know it’s…hard.” She couldn’t imagine Val doing something like this. Or, she knew how uncomfortable he would have felt. Maybe he would have done it anyway.

Mary Justine straightened.

“Go tell everyone the plan. They’ll only cause a scene if they see me dressed like a...like you.”

Friday’s appreciation somewhat diminished by the unspoken slight, she squeezed Mary Justine’s shoulder one last time and left the bathroom.

10.11 || 10.13

[gaspbrat]

Senior Year Hues

not blues

au where IT is just a normal travelling clown.

Georgie is alive and well.

As is the prom haze.

warnings: angery jealous eds, swearing

ENJOy, I don’t know why I never posted this. Undoubtedly was part of an entire series.

wc: 3500+

Gretchen Tozier was a beloved and respected 1968 partially black Barracuda “carefully” handed down through the family. Gifted to Richie’s uncle in ‘71, pawned off on Richie’s dad following his uncle’s first DUI and the damage that came with it in January of '72.

Two matte grey mismatched panels on the driver side door and the front bumper were added, hoped to be finished by '73 so Richie’s older sister could joyride through her senior year, seven years later. Thanksgiving that same year, though, dear Uncle Andy rolled through Derry again. He borrowed the car for about twenty-six minutes before overturning it on an embankment near Neibolt. Gretchen was towed, fixed and released back to his father a few months later. His uncle spent the night in the drunk tank, receiving his second and final DUI. Andy hasn’t returned to Derry or their lives since.

To his sister’s distaste, she would not be able to take it a few hundred miles down the coast to college with her like she had hoped. His parents told her she needed to buy her own, especially with her living on campus. She does, a beat up ‘88 Mitsubishi with peeling forest green paint and a bumper that didn’t match.

Richie, upon turning 15, bought her off of his dad for fifty dollars and a pay stub in '91. She has been appreciated properly for the next three wonderful years. Only the finest of company near Ol’ Gretchie.

Eddie definitely hated the ridiculous, loud, obnoxious piece of junk. He definitely didn’t end up falling for that piece of junk just like he did with its driver. Out of the question.

He didn’t get excited when he heard the rhythmic drumming of the old engine approaching his street from a block away.

He most certainly did not love the homey fabric of the seats with endless rips in them or the faint lingering smell of the little trees Richie puts up to mask the ghost of cigarettes past. (Eddie is almost certain they aren’t Richie’s, but if they were he knew Richie would never admit it.)

Eddie did not love that car. Whatsoever. But he did find a place in his heart for all the memories made with it. With him.

So when Richie told him he had to take it to the dump, Eddie nearly lost it.

“What do you mean you’re trashing it, I thought you loved that thing?!”

“Eds, why are you getting so upset, I thought you hated it?”

“I do (not), but… it’s sad seeing you just get rid of it like that.”

“You’re gonna miss ol’ Gretchie aren’t you, spaghetti?”

Richie knew his car didn’t actually need to be trashed entirely it just needed a few major repairs that he knew he would never be able to afford. At least not soon; not for another three months until he could save enough. And if Eddie found out he’d dump his savings into that thing no question. His little hypochondriac was far too good to  him. Even if he wasn’t his yet.

Eddie always was ready to help Richie any way he could, he knew that wholeheartedly, but his stupid damn pride would not allow it.

Richie took up working overtime on the weekends just so he could get back to driving his little Eddie bear around Derry as soon as possible.

Gretchen was a staple in the Tozier’s Promposals. She accompanied his parents to their prom. He was not about to break this tradition just because of his bank account. Eddie deserved the best carriage for his first prom. He was going to have to swallow his pride and buckle in for the most agonizing waiting game of his life, so far.

“Hey, Richie,” Eddie called over to his friend, remembering an invitation he was to extend, snapping Richie from his brooding, “Bill’s having a sleepover tonight, did you want to go? He said you can pick the movie.”

Eddie’s smile was so genuine and hopeful the he almost said yes just so he could keep that smile right where it belonged always but he remembered he had to close tonight and work the mid shift tomorrow. And Bill never let him pick the movies, ever.

“Wish I could but I work tonight. Sorry, buddy.” he patted Eddie’s shoulder and gave him a weak smile.

“You’ll get along without me though, won’t you, Eds?”

“I guess… yea.”

Richie immediately wanted to take it back just to see that smile. Just to see those damn dimples.

He seemed to have gotten his wish when he noticed those big brown eyes light up.

“What about tomorrow? We could go see that movie you wanted to see?”

Again, almost horrendously, Eddie looked so hopeful to be spending time with him that Richie’s frozen heart thawed, just slightly.

“My old man wants me to help him get my sister’s junk out of the house and down to her dorm this weekend, shit, I’m really sorry Eds.”

Richie really really hoped Eddie would leave at that but of course not. He really wanted trashmouth to suffer even if he didn’t know he was suffering.

“..I could help?”

Eddie knew he just grasping at straws here but he really missed being annoyed by this dumb stupid asshole every day even though he would never tell him that.

“Eds, I’d love for you to,” the smaller boy’s eyes twinkled, “but there probably wouldn’t be enough room?”

He knew he didn’t sound convincing. Not at all. He just didn’t want to think about it anymore. He wanted to just get work done so he could get paid and then never ever ever have to see this look on Eddie’s face again.

“Oh. Yea, you-you’re probably right, um, sorry I asked. Maybe next week, I guess.” Eddie decided it was best to just give him his space at that point, turning away from him, trying to end the conversation.

“Eds, wait-”

“Stop fucking calling me Eds.”

Richie didn’t see Eddie for the rest of the weekend after he dropped him off at Bill’s that night. Partially from working almost the entire weekend, partially because Eddie had avoided him as much as he could.

Somehow Eddie managed to steer clear of anything remotely related to Richie that next Tuesday.

The taller boy caught a couple glimpses of him the previous school day but he would disappear before anything could be said between them.

Richie sauntered over to the rest of the losers at lunch to find Eddie absent like the day before.

“Hey, where’s Spaghedward?”

“We thought you would know, didn’t you guys just have chem?” Ben answered from beside Stan.

“Yea but he darted off somewhere in a hurry. I thought he’d be here.” Richie turned around hoping to spot Eddie coming from the bathroom or something.

“He seemed kind of upset when I talked to him earlier, what’s going on?” Beverly interjected after swallowing her first spoon of peach yogurt.

Stan ate in silence while the others discussed what could be wrong. He eyed Richie with what others would call just blatant disgust but hid it behind his thermos of chicken noodle soup.

“Yo, Stan, what do you think?” Richie finally asked him directly. He knew something.

“I think you should talk to him.” Ben responded before realizing he wasn’t the one with the answer Richie wanted.

“I second that. Talk to him.” Mike said around his turkey and cheddar sandwich.

Beverly and Bill simply nodded as they picked through their lunches.

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea.” Stan very quietly said, focusing pointedly on his sandwich.

“Why not?” Richie started to get impatient. Stan knew something he didn’t and it was clearly upsetting enough that Stan couldn’t hide his distaste. More than usual.

“He clearly just wants some space, I think you should respect that, okay?”

Stan started to raise his voice slightly and that immediately made Richie eight times more concerned knowing that Stan, of all people, was trying to keep Eddie away from him. Stan quickly picked up his tray and dumped it into the trash before heading down one of the halls.

Richie gave Beverly a kick under the table.

She initially was annoyed but softened when she saw the beat up Docs that had kicked her, nodding without a word. She kicked back twice, the second kick stronger than the first.

“Ow,”

“What, Richie?” Bill raised his head.

“Nothing just kicking myself.”

Lunch proceeded in near silence. Richie was silent for once while the others gossiped about their classes. He was debating the decision to ditch his last period to be early for work. Craig would appreciate him showing up and relieving him early, anyway.

The others returned to their classes and the day sailed by. After school most of them, save for Richie and Mike, met up by the racks to see each other off. Beverly and Ben made a plan to head to the library to cram for their English final tomorrow morning. Bill was planning on tagging along but decided to spend some time with Georgie instead.

Stan knew he didn’t want Ben to third wheel, even though it was evident Bill would be the outlier.

“Bye guys, see you Monday!” Eddie called to the other three losers as he and Stan got on their bikes to head home.

“Oh, hey can we stop by the store really quick? I need to pick up some more of the Nutty Buddies for my mom.”

“Sure.” Eddie didn’t think twice about the grocery run given Mrs. Uris had an acute craving for peanut butter after four.

He was unaware, however, that Stan had set a plan in motion.

Just so happens that the general store was directly across the street from the arcade. Eddie immediately got excited and thought to tell Stan they should go say hi to Richie. Then he remembered Richie telling him he had to help his sister today and brushed it off.

The two went inside to pick up the Nutty Buddies. Stan bought a kit-kat and a bag of chips for him to eat after dinner later.

“I don’t know how you can eat all that junk Stan, how do you sleep at night with your teeth just-,” Eddie stopped nagging momentarily as something outside of the store caught his attention. A dark green, vaguely familiar, car pulled up outside the arcade.

He saw Richie pop out and walk into the arcade with a can of Shasta cola in his hand and a snickers hanging from his mouth, leaving who Eddie assumed was his sister to drive off.

Weird. Thought she would still be in New York right about now.

“Eddie whats going on? You stopped yelling at me.”

“Shut up Stan, look!”

Eddie pointed out the window towards a car he noticed was parked every other season in the driveway.

“Wait, I thought you said he was helping his sister.” Stan inquires further, knowing far better.

“He said he was.” Eddie was immediately disappointed for a reason he wasn’t sure of yet.

Their investigation was put on hold while the clerk rang up their items. She tried starting small talk but Stan just replied curtly with, “Not interested, thank you” while waving a twenty in her general direction.

Eddie supplied a ‘thanks’ to Stan for buying the goods without once looking away from the arcade, observing a cloud of teenage girls huddled in a corner. Their ring leader was approaching the glass and Eddie started to feel dread at the pit of his stomach. He nudged Stan and then started bagging erratically.

They gathered the items and bolted out the door, trying to make sure they could see Richie through the glass without him seeing them.

“Wait, who’s that girl?” Eddie said after a long period of silence.

“Looks like Melissa Cromwell. She’s pretty hot du-.” Stan passed on the general rumor he heard relentlessly from around town. They made him sick but she was definitely well recognized by most boys.

“Shut up, Stan, who asked you?” Eddie whipped out, hoping his words stung like the sting he felt in his chest at this moment.

“You.. did-”

“What the fuck is she doing?”

“Is that a trick question?”

He scoffed but let Eddie’s rambling continue, however, because he had a feeling that Eddie cared a lot more than it already seemed he did. He hasn’t said anything to Stan like ‘Hey I’m bangin’ Richie now, deal with it’ but they’ve been spending a lot of time in each other’s company as of late.

He also knew exactly what a little jealous sap Kaspbrak was like so he didn’t intervene; didn’t mean he couldn’t feed the flame just a bit. Richie was being dismissive and kind of a dick lately, not that that’s anything new. Stan just didn’t want to see his friend tossed over a cliff over this dirt bag.

“Oh my God he’s making her laugh? Look- look at that!”

“I mean, yea? They have Lit together.” Stan announced with his all-knowing bird brain. He saw all and only repeated what he wanted to.

“Why do you care about what Richie fuckin’ Tozier does with his wa-”

Eddie turned to Stan and gave him the look.

Stan shut his mouth tight.

“He lied to me Stanley and know he’s chatting up that hot chick.”

He would never say it to Eddie’s face, (Richie’s face is another story) but Stanley didn’t truly understand what Eddie saw in that asshole. Richie was a dick about three-hundred percent of the time. A dick to Eddie three-hundred percent of the time. He was also for some reason intensely obsessed with his mom.

Stan decided it was best to just let that ship sink on its own eventually when the captain abandoned it. However, if he saw a time bomb ticking down the hull of that ship, he would hop on that lifeboat without a single word and paddle away, letting the pieces fall behind him.

But he couldn’t do that to Eddie.

Right?

The pair noticed the girls all call his name as they exited through the glass doors, cackling with their mob mentality. Stan found them repulsive but knew most guys saw the other qualities.

“Eh, Richie makes a lot of girls laugh sometimes. I guess they think he’s funny?” Stan attempted to level out some of the doubt surrounding his friend.

Much to Eddie’s dismay, Richie started to head back outside of the arcade.

He let out a panicked ‘oh fuck’ before darting off into the alley and biking through it, he didn’t care where he went he just wanted to get far from there.

Stan was struggling with the bag and his kickstand and failed to notice the quick departure of his friend.

He started off a moment later but hesitated when he saw Richie following Melissa further down the street holding a pair of sunglasses and a sharpie in his hands.

Bright neon lights blinked in the arcade window with a welcoming glow. It felt like home to Richie. Except he worked there and wasn’t allowed to play (unless it was empty because it was so slooow after eight).

He got out of his sister’s car with a quick ‘thanks, sis’ before closing the door and heading into work. He wondered what bullshit he’d have to put up with today as he munched down on his snickers.

Richie immediately noticed Melissa and her biters at Pacman not far from the counter. He knew all too well that it yielded almost no tickets at all.

“What’s up, Craig?” he called from around his almost-gone snickers.

The mid-twenties blonde looked up from his comic to acknowledge the brunette boy before him with his hand outstretched in a fist. They bumped fists before Richie set down his shasta on the glass prize display case so he could vault the counter. He landed with a huff loud enough to peak the interest of one of the vapid cheerleaders. It wasn’t hard, none of them were at all focused on collecting dots.

“Those girls came in about a half hour ago. One of them was asking about you.” Craig was telling Richie offhandedly while the younger brunette took off his leather jacket to replace it with his work shirt.

“They’re annoying please, just, like, give them your number and be done with it, totes,” Craig started to bust out laughing while he took off his work shirt and headed into the back of the store.

Richie bent down to put his keys and jacket under the register, pausing when he heard a light giggle from above him.

Fuck.

He slowly got up to face whoever was waiting on the other side of the counter.

“Heey, Richie.” Melissa was leaning on her hand with her elbow propped up on the glass of the counter.

Richie took small a step back from the register.

“Hi, Melissa.”

“I, um, wanted to exchange these tickets for something.” she reached into her back pocket and brought out a pitiful stack of tickets.

Absolutely pathetic.

“Okay.” Richie took them and put them into the ticketing counting machine next to him.

27

“You have twenty-seven.” He said back plainly.

“Ooh, jackpot.” she said slyly smiling as she bit on the end of her sunglasses.

“You can get a finger puppet, a pocket alien” He began listing the lowest tier of redemption.

“A pair of dice,”

“Or jelly bracelets.” The short list came to an end, his attention being returned to the glinting eyes across the counter. He took note of how flattering this direct light would be on anEone else. He pushed it back and awaited her decision.

“Can I get that one?” she pointed to a particularly adorable bear toy.

“Oooh, no sorry. You don’t have enough tickets. How sad.” he clicked his tongue, cocking his head to the side.

“How many more do I need?” She asked with a horrible attempt at puppy dog eyes.

“One.”

“Let me check,” she dug into her back pocket, bouncing from foot to foot.

“Ah-hah!” Melissa pulled out a single ticket, setting it on the counter and sliding it across to him.

“Lucky you.” he said so sarcastically he almost sounded believable.

Richie turned the ticket over before putting it into the machine revealing red numbers and a call me in sloppy cursive loops with,his favorite, a little winky face. He paused, collected his nerves before presenting her with a coy smile.

“I’m sorry, this ticket has been tampered with. I can’t accept this.” he slid it back, grinning.

“Fine. Then I’ll take the,” she leaned much farther than necessary over the counter to point to a tiny alien on a key chain.

“Weird ass alien thing.”

“All yours.”

“Thank you.”

She winked at him before returning to her gang of much too giddy single sheeple friends.

He couldn’t wait to tell Eddie all about this petty ordeal but then he remembered he probably wouldn’t see his best friend until tomorrow at lunch if Eddie showed. Maybe he’d sneak out tonight.

His thoughts were interrupted when he saw Melissa and company head towards the exit.

“Bye Richie.” they all called in shrill unison as they left the arcade, giggling manically to each other. Melissa dangled her alien keychain from hier pinkie as she turned away.

Fuck he hated his job.

He crossed his arms on the glass that he would need to clean anyway and rested his head on top of them. His nose bumped something on the counter causing him to jolt up.

Fuck.

Richie picked the glasses up off the counter before vaulting it again. He walked with some urgency through the glass door after Melissa.

Lucky for him she was lagging behind her friends while they undoubtedly chattered among themselves about how perfect him and Mel would be together. How great they would look together at prom, most likely.

“Melissa!”

Eddie’s bike was thrown into the dirt far from the arcade while he sat down on a rock and used his inhaler. He hasn’t biked that fast since they had to chase Bill to that stupid fucking house on neibolt. That house that he broke his arm in. The house that the clown tried to eat him and all of his friends in.

That goddamn house where Richie set his broken arm after relentlessly trying to keep his focus on that motherfucking shit clown.

He coached his breathing back down to mildly panicked just before he saw Stan biking rapidly towards him. He seemed shocked.

He immediately worried if Richie had seen his buddy Stan and stopped him.

“Hey Stan, what’cha got there, lube for you dad?”

“No it’s Eddie’s snacks, he bolted like a bitch when you came out.”

“Oh damn, well, I got Melissa’s digits and I would have wanted to tell him that his mom’s gonna have to wait unt-”

“Eddie!”

Stan shook his shoulder lightly.

“Wait, when did you get here?”

“Like a minute ago while you were lost in thought, dude.”

“Shit. Damn.”

“You okay?” his only sanity broke off at Stan’s useless question.

“No, Stanley, Im not o’ fuckin’ kay.”

Thanks for readin’! Much love

[bazwillendinflames]

Norkus November - Day Nineteen - AU

Tattoo shop, florist au 

AO3

One 

“I’m definitely going to do it today.” 

“That’s great,” Josh said, “but I think I'll believe you more if you actually open the door first.” 

“I’m working my way up to that part.” 

“Right.” Josh turned the page in his book, seeming bored of Markus’ indecisiveness. “So, by today do you mean now or in the next twenty-four hours.” 

“This is dumb.” 

“You’re telling me.” Josh made a big show out of turning his next page. “But, by all means, keep trying to open the door with your mind. It’s very amusing from where I’m sitting.” 

Markus actually stood up. (The first step was well, any steps.) Then he shuffled towards the door, opened it and stepped out into the street. 

This was a bad idea. But was it any weirder to stare at a pretty girl from across the street then to actually talk to her? 

Josh gave him an encouraging thumbs up from inside his job. It was mostly sincere. 

“Hi Markus!” Kara called, waving at him from the half-open backroom. “Everything alright over there?” 

“Yeah, of course. We, well I did mostly, um saw you had a new employee? With the motorbike…”

“That isn’t causing any problems is it? I told North we’d get noise complaints. I wasn’t imaging from you guys but-”

“No, no, the bike is super cool. I just wanted to say hi.” 

“Oh.” Kara put down the flowers she was holding and smiled. “Oh. I can call North for you. She’s just in the back here.” 

North was an incredibly cool name, Markus decided, very suitable for the kind of cool girl who rode a motorbike to work and wore grunge band t-shirt to a job at a flower shop. 

“Will claiming to be allergic to flowers get me out of early morning shifts?” A voice called, followed by the cool girl Markus may have been admiring. (Not that he’d ever admit that to Josh or Simon. He missed the days when he could tease them for their hopeless crushes.) 

“Oh hi.” She eyed Markus’ jacket. “You don’t work here, do you? No forced upon you pastel apron.” 

“Speaking of,” Kara said, “please put your apron on before we open.” 

“Yes boss.” North rolled her eyes unsubtly at Markus. “Sorry, you are?”

“Manners!”

“I mean, hello strange man, what’s your name?” 

“I’m Markus. I work at the tattoo shop across the street.” 

“Awesome. I wanted to work somewhere cool like that. Instead I’m stuck in flower city.” 

“I’m only an apprentice.” Markus figured he should try to be somewhat normal. “I just wanted to say hi, new neighbours and all. So hi. Yeah.” (Not very cool, but half-way normal.) 

“Hi.” North made a show of smiling and then turned to Kara. “See, I can be polite.” 

“I see.” 

Markus took the hint. “I’ll see you around.” 

“Sure, whatever.” North pulled on her apron, a pastel blue shade that didn’t quite match her ‘Knights of the Black Death’ t-shirt. 

It was only when Markus stepped out he realised he forgot to compliment her bike. 

Josh would have a field day with his awkwardness. 

   Two 

“I should never be allowed to talk to girls.” 

“Well, we could have told you that.” 

“It was your idea to talk to her in the first place,” Markus pointed out, with a huff. “Why would a girl with a name as interesting as North ever pay me any attention? I bet she doesn’t even remember my name.” 

“You’re being dramatic,” Josh said. “We can teach you how to talk to girls.”

Simon sniggered. “Yeah, we’re the girls experts. Why not just say, ‘hey need a hand there?’.” 

“With what?” 

“The door?” Simon answered casually.

Very uncasually, Markus whipped his head around to see North struggling with a heavy box and a loaded set of keys in her hands. 

“Simon, you are a genius!” he exclaimed. 

“Oh great,” Josh said dryly. “Oh… Markus you’re getting up.” 

“She needs my help!” 

“I think she’ll cope.” 

But he was too late, Markus was already gone. 

“Need a hand?” He asked, glad North didn’t see his uncoordinated sprint from his shop to hers. “The doors round here are tricky. I have a few tricks.” 

“Oh,” North said, “thanks.” 

He took the keys from her and did his best to make opening an old lock seem effortless and cool. 

“You’re a life-saver. I would have kicked the door in otherwise.” 

“That’s a little extreme.” 

“I will go to great lengths to lose this job. It’s a community service thing but I’d rather pick up trash by a high-way that help my sister sell flower crowns and roses to forgetful boyfriends.” 

“Kara’s your sister?” 

“More or less. We grew up in the same care home. I wish she wouldn’t be so protective. She was all like ‘the highway is a dangerous place for a young woman’. I think she worries I’ll join a gang or something.” 

“Oh.” Markus tried to take it all in. “Sounds like a rough deal.” 

“Sorry,” North glanced his way shyly. “It’s just nice to talk to someone who isn’t buying flowers. I don’t know any flower meanings and it’s Kara’s USP. Awkward.” 

“We do flower meanings,” Markus said eagerly. “People get sentimental with tattoos. If you want to borrow a book, I mean.” 

“Thanks. I need ‘flower meanings for dummies’.”

“You’re not a dummy.” 

“You’re just saying that because I might be in a trash picking gang.” 

Markus laughed, still surprised a girl like North would want to talk to him.

“I guess you should get back.” North glanced over his shoulder to look at the tattoo shop behind him. “You guys look busy. Guess more people want to get flowers inked on them than to buy them.” 

“Maybe.” Markus sighed as his phone buzzed, probably Josh needing back up. “It was nice talking to you North.” 

“No problem Markus.” 

He left smiling, glad she remembered his name at all. (Until ten minutes later when Josh pointed out he had a name badge on. In his opinion, it half-counted. And he was finally starting to understand North.) 

  Three

“Only you,” Josh said, “could find a silver lining out of the fact that we forgot to pay out water bill.” 

“How much water do you think I can drink in one day?” 

Simon sighed. “Yeah, you could do that. Or, you could not make it seem like you have a problem in front of the girl we already decided was too cool for you anyway.” 

“I’m going to ask her,” Markus said, cheerfully, “and then I’m buying a lot of water.” 

“Markus, hi,” North greeted, already back to slouching over the counter. “You look a little red.” 

“We have a problem. We may have forgotten to pay our water bill and now can’t use our plumbing for the next four and a half days.” (It sounded worse outloud.) 

“Oh damn. So, you want to use ours?” 

“If that’s okay?” 

“Sure, go ahead.” 

Markus smiled. “We’d be lost without you.” 

“A little dramatic.” North tilted her head. “I’ve never seen you without your coat.” 

Markus felt a little vulnerable as she stared at his arms. “No, we don’t really have heating either…” 

“I bet you get this all the time, but do you have any tattoos?” 

“No.” Markus scratched the back of his head. “Don’t laugh-”

“No promises.” 

“I’m scared of needles.” 

“But-” 

“I work at a tattoo parlour. Yeah, I know. My boss found it equally amusing.” He crossed his arms. “I prefer to design them anyway. And I can do other people.” 

“So, a tattoo artists who’s scared of needles and a shop with no heat or water. Why did you pick that job again?” 

“I like tattoos. And art. And making money off art.” Markus didn’t mention the two separate occasions he had fainted on the job. “What about you, what would you do, if you didn’t work here?” 

“I don’t know. I’m just kind of drifting.” North frowned. “Anyway, our water is yours but you owe me a coffee.” 

“Like, we get coffee together?” 

North looked a little surprised. “I guess that works too.” 

“I can just bring it…”

“No, it works.” North brushed a little of her hair back. “Good luck with the whole cowardly tattoo artist thing.” 

“Thanks.” 

Markus stepped out of the shop, listening to the little tink of the bell as the door fell shut behind him. 

Did he actually have a chance with North?

  Four

“Not you again.” 

Markus shrugged. “I know, I know. But I’m not just here to loiter. I’m getting flowers.” 

To his surprise, the smile disappeared from North’s face. (Did she really hate her job that much?)

“Right. And I was starting to think they didn’t pay you over there.” 

“I brought you coffee last week.” 

“Yeah, I know,” she snapped. “What kind?” 

“You had a latte and-” 

“Not the coffee. What kind of flowers? I’m sure you’re aware of what kind we have, since you’re here every five minutes.” 

“Goldenrod.” 

“Not roses?” 

“A little basic. And I like what goldenrods symbolise. Good fortune.” Markus admired the yellow flowers that she put in front of him. “I hope they cheer up my Dad.” 

North froze. “Your Dad?” 

“Yeah. He’s not well but I thought some flowers might cheer him up. He likes to paint them, if he’s feeling better.” 

“Oh. I’m… I thought that…” 

Markus hit his hand against his forehead. “No. Not for another girl. Just my Dad.” 

“No, it’s okay. I don’t know why I thought we had… anyway the flowers are twenty dollars but I can run you a discount and-” 

“North? What did you think we had?” 

“Nothing. One coffee… outing and I think you like me. You’re just too nice.” 

Markus shook his head. “No. I am nice but… okay maybe I make up excuses to come by and visit because I like you. I’m just bad at expressing that and you’re way cooler than me.” 

“I’m not cool. I’m a delinquent with a summer job here. For God’s sake, I’m wearing a pink apron half the time we talk. You’re the one with the swishy coat and a decent chance at a future, fear of needles or not.” 

“You have a motorbike.” 

North laughed, covering her face with her hand. “Maybe we’re both bad at this.” 

“Yeah. But, maybe we can bad at this together.” 

“Yeah.” North smiled again. “The flowers are on the house. Tell your Dad I hope he gets better soon.” 

“I will.” 

Markus picked up the yellow bouquet, glad he would have some good news for Carl at last. 

  + One 

“So, this is your shop.” North felt more at home in the rundown tattoo shop than she ever had at Kara’s own. 

“Not mine. Lucy’s actually.” Markus was rummaging around in the back somewhere. “I’m just locking up.” 

“I like it.” 

“Yeah?” 

“Yeah.” Markus emerged a moment later, dramatic coat on. “Hi.” 

“Hi.” North dusted off her leather jacket. “This is weird right?”

“The date part, or the you in my territory part?” 

She snorted. “Both. But, it’s a date?” 

“Definitely.” 

North resisted the urge to blush. 

“Okay. I hope you’re not scared of motorbikes.” 

“I make no promises.” 

“You can hold on to me. If- if you want to of course.” 

“Sounds perfect.” Markus brushed her cheek and for a moment North thought that maybe he might... “cute accessory.” 

He held up a flower that must have been tangled in her hair. 

North reached for it. “Thanks.” 

“A red camellia. The flame of the heart.” 

“I’m not trying to flirt with you through flowers.” 

Markus tucked it behind her ear. “Beautiful.” 

North reached for his hand and tangled it with her own. They were both a little flustered from the excitement of a first date - a first love, for her at least - but with her hand anchored in his, it felt like the easiest thing in the world. 

“If you do this next time I try to get a tattoo, I might actually manage without fainting.” 

North laughed. “Now, that’s a story I’ve got to hear.” 

Hands intertwined, they stepped out of the shop together. To whatever their first date might hold. 

North just hoped the flower caught in her hair was a good sign for things to come.

[toongrrl-blog]

Part One of Barb Series: Why Barb Died (Character Device Talk)

*Please watch the Betty Draper Francis video first, for extra credit, check out the channel’s vid on Jack Dawson and come with knowledge of Beth March*

Happy end of the 2010s! Before I discuss what Barb could have brought to the Party in Stranger Things I need to discuss how as a character she needed to die.

1. Beth March

In one scene in Little Women, the girls and Laurie discuss their ambitions for adult life. Oldest sister Meg wants to marry and have kids, oldest middle sis Jo wants to become a known and successful writer, youngest sister Amy wants to become rich and famous as an artist and maybe a socialite, and middle child Beth wants things to stay the way they are for her, with her loving family at her side. What’s wrong with this? What the other three sisters have in common is that they are hoping for adult lives which include a lot of change, responsibility, independence (either as a career woman or running a household with little kids underfoot), new experiences, and even new people in their lives (Meg would need to meet a guy to marry and have kids with him, Jo would need to meet people in her professional life, Amy would entertain guests and appeal to patrons). Shy Beth is a talented pianist, vet, and doll collector and is very charitable but she doesn’t seem to want to take the risks it would take to grow as a person and thrive and mature or be noticed for her own merits aside from “Angel of the House” and the future looks pretty hostile; so by the end of the novel, Beth has died in her early 20s while sisters lives have changed (Meg married and had children in a cottage while gaining confidence as a homemaker, wife, and mom; Jo sells her writing and meets a professor who wants to start a school where she becomes headmistress after they marry; Amy goes on a Grand Tour of Europe and marries wealthy and happy).

The series Stranger Things, on a whole, is a coming-of-age series that borrows from the John Hughes and Steven Spielberg films of that era that captured the joys and pains of growing up, while Joyce’s and Hop’s storylines borrow from conspiracy thrillers around that era and somewhat from Hitchcock films. All these films captured ordinary people undergoing extraordinary (E.T., North By Northwest, The Goonies, The Stepford Wives) and life altering events (Jaws, The Breakfast Club, Silkwood) that force them to encounter challenges and make decisions they wouldn’t normally make in their mundane lives. Joyce ends up facing a monster with an axe and even makes demands of people who could wipe her off the Earth, the boys have to ride their bikes to evade murderous men in vans and hide a young traumatized girl, Nancy has to learn to create and use deadly weapons and use her skills of sneaking out for something besides sex, Jonathon has to cut his and another girl’s hand to lure a monster to their trap, Hop sneaks into a morgue just to slit a dead boy’s corpse and find cotton stuffing, Will has to use what knowledge and skills he has to survive another world filled with creatures out to kill him, most of the kids throughout the series have to lie and break laws to save their town. 

While the official guide does list Barb as being a varsity softball player and a mathlete and Shannon Purser concurs that Barb would have been the Velma of the group if she lived, there is one big thing that separates the Velmas from the Barbs and Beth’s of the world: Velma takes risks, she would trespass private looking property and dilapidated buildings to solve a mystery. Barb is a loyal friend and honest and studious and smart, but she’s ultimately the good girl archetype: cautious, obedient to her elders, predictable, conservatively and femininely dressed, chaste. An archetype that Nancy is trying to flee (not that the alternative of being a girl who sneaks out with her boyfriend to makeout is going to help Nancy at all) to avoid ending up like her mother. Barb has the fangs (talent and means) to be a Party member, she just lacks the nerve to jump and sink those fangs.

2. Commentary on the Patriarchy and the Tyranny of Beauty Standards

Most of the female characters in the series don’t fit the strict criteria of their Reagan era Indiana small town regarding what makes a good woman. Joyce is a single mother who doesn’t come with well-coiffed hair and she appears to be hysterical and is a working mother in a time and place where all these factors would label her a “bad mother”, Nancy is a frank young woman who takes risks and even asserts her sexuality and herself when plenty of people (like the shitheads at Hawkins Post) would prefer her to be a delicate virgin in pastels, El is physically stronger than the boys with her powers and she is very direct in her manner despite her soft-spoken demeanor, Max is a girl who is interested in arcade video games and skateboarding and brightly colored summer clothing and reads her Mom’s Cosmo cover to cover and is assertive, Erica is an assertive young girl who can talk truth (and shade) to adults and has a knowledge of My Little Pony and Cold War Politics, Robin is snarky and has a style that makes her stand out from most girls in Hawkins and is a teen genius, Kali’s rage and Joan Jett-esque appearance would make the preppy and pastel and autumnal tone wearing residents of Hawkins in Cardiac Care, Suzie has defied notions about girls in science and math and even the Mormon beliefs of her parents by french kissing and dating a non-Mormon boy like Dustin, and Karen despite her appearance of hot housewife perfection is dissatisfied with her marriage and comes close to cheating on her husband. 

In contrast Barb is pretty much the most conventional character: she dresses conservatively in ruffles and pink, she is seemingly chaste, follows the rules diligently and worries about getting punished by the Holland and Wheeler parents, and has a more common body type found in cis-gender women (correct me if I’m wrong, hopefully I don’t offend trans pear shaped women) and not often found in the older members of the female cast. But despite Barb’s body being common among women in general and specific to her region (the American Midwest is noted for starchy and creamy and fried foods and is historically farming country, where pioneers would find her strong for work in and out of the log cabin and give birth to the necessary amount of children i.e. extra hands for work), the delicate and slender builds of Joyce and Nancy, the classic proportionate and slender grace of Robin, and the leggy and toned image of Karen are closer to the female standard of beauty in the 1980s. In Barb’s lifetime (1967-1983), the image of beauty was dominated by leggy, toned, slim, busty women or lean women with minimal breasts: no room for tall, broad, pear shapes like herself. And in 1983, Molly Ringwald wasn’t yet a household name that freckled redheads with dry wit and atypical images could look on with pride. Hell I remember reading a copy of Color Me Beautiful where they recommend that women with heavy hips and small waists (similar features of Christina Hendricks and Shannon Purser) shouldn’t cinch their waistlines, the celebration of Marilyn Monroe pinups with round hips, pillowy thighs and tummies, rounded tushes were long gone by then. Basically Barb being her natural self, was not seen as “feminine enough” and combined with her glasses and style (any plus sized or early developing gal can tell you that it is hell to find junior styles that suit your body size and shape) have ruled her as “uncool”. 

There is also that Barb does a lot of things that the boys do: being slightly geeky, a loyal friend, has innocent and wholesome interests, chaste, and is quiet (like Will) but she still gets killed. One can sense that #JusticeForBarb came out of an anger with misogyny in media and society that tells women to be a certain way and punishes them whether they fit a mold or not. Women are still underpaid in the workplace, underrepresented in government, still deal with unequal and toxic relationships, are shamed for being virgins or for having sexual experience (Carol pokes fun at the idea of Barb finding the sex sounds too much and yet contributes to the slut shaming graffiti of Nancy), are told on one hand to look a certain way to attract the male gaze and shamed when they indulge in sexual desire (something Nancy can attest to with her glamorous mother who offers to lend her black heels and focuses on Nancy’s beauty before a funeral, the same mom who was angry her daughter had sex), they are either too fat/skinny/busty/flat/frizzy/straight haired/pale/slutty/prudish/dark/feminine/masculine/full-butt-ed/quiet/loud/naive/cynical/smart/dumb/angry/happy, and they deal with a media that sells a very narrow standard of beauty to the point that when they see a drop dead gorgeous actress or model with similar features they feel seen.

Oh Bondage, Up Yours!

*Read this is not a “Barb is a slut shamer!” piece yes that was shitty but she was a teen girl in a small 1980s town and she ISN’T starting a (paraphrasing Kimberly Nicole Foster quote) “no whores allowed campaign” OR trying to pass a law that demands women keep their ectopic pregnancies to full term*

3. End of Innocence

When Barb died, it marked the end of Nancy’s childhood and her needing to grow up. That was the night Nancy went straight from childhood (Barb), teenager (sex with Steve), and then shortly became an adult when she realized that Barb had disappeared. For many women (like myself at ages 9 and 10), the moment they get their period or grow breasts or reach a certain age, marks a dramatic end of their childhood. Suddenly many are told to police their behavior and language around boys, even policing the food they eat or their bodies. There is also extra responsibility and stress, demogorgans being one of them. Nancy is now having to deal with the sorts of issues that adult women dealt with on Mad Men along with scary monsters threatening her town and the fact her parents are not as happy as they look to the world, there is a gap between the experiences of her and Mike, she has a baby sister who probably was conceived to save the marriage, and Nancy can’t confide or trust either of her parents (who are absorbed with their own issues). Now Nancy is making big decisions that Barb, with the sheltering and seemingly close parents, will likely never deal with. Nancy is even taking fashion risks with clothes that are more functional, stylish, show off her figure, and can even withstand flayer blood and exorcising her boyfriend’s little brother.

4. A Huge Threat

Barb was intended to be a character that we connected with, someone to be built up somehow. There was a character like this in a movie: her name was Marion Crane. She was a secretary who has been supporting herself and her little sis since their parents died, patiently waiting for her boyfriend to make more money at his job so they can marry and stop sneaking around sleeping with one another, in desperation she steals a lot of money from her workplace, drives to California where she meets a mild-mannered but strange young man who manages a distant motel in the vicinity of a Victorian house where an older woman is croaking about promiscuity, after talking with him over a dinner of sandwiches in his taxidermy themed office, she goes to take a shower and has decided to return to Phoenix to return the money, then a strange figure comes with a large butcher knife in horribly out of date clothes and starts stabbing her to death.

This was from the Hitchcock film Psycho, the forerunner of the slasher genre that dominated the earlier half of the 1980s, and it premiered to shocked audiences in 1960. The meaning of the grisly murder of Marion, a character the audience was following from the beginning of the film, was that Norman Bates was a huge threat and intensified the need for Marion’s killer to be brought to justice.

The same thing can be said about the deaths of Benny and Barb, to show how much a threat the demogorgan and Hawkins National Lab were to the townspeople of Hawkins (and the world as a whole), basically such big threats that a little boy can be kidnapped from the safety of his home, a young teenage girl could be snatched up and killed from a suburban swimming pool, and a kindly cook and owner of a local diner would be executed for knowing about a runaway child. 

5. The future of Women in Stranger Things

Not all is lost, Barb’s death forced the Duffer Bros to take a look at how women were written and treated in their series, and even helped spurred tv viewers (who ordinarily wouldn’t pay attention to social issues) to take a deeper look and interest in how people especially women are treated. For some reason I like to think: Max, Robin, Erica, and Suzie are a way of recognizing Barb’s potential within the series and even what viewers saw. 

Now stay tuned to where I figure out how Barb could have been beneficial to the party.